MAN-OF-WAR BIRD. 
373 
In habits this species does not differ from others of the group. 
It feeds principally on fish, which it obtains by diving from the 
surface of the water. It is an expert diver, and strong, fast swim- 
mer, and can remain under water for a very long period, coming to 
the surface out of gunshot of a pursuer. 
Note. — The Florida Cormorant {P. dilophus floridauus) 
is a smaller variety of the Double-crested species, differing from the 
type in size only. Length about 25 inches. It is restricted chiefly 
to the Gulf States, though occurring occasionally on the Atlantic 
shores of the more southern States, and along the Mississippi val- 
ley to southern Illinois. 
Another species, the Mexican Cormorant (P. mexicantts), 
occurs occasionally on the shores of the Gulf States, and has 
been taken in southern Illinois. 
MAN-OF-WAR BIRD. 
FRIGATE BIRD. FRIGATE PELICAN. 
Fregata aquila. 
Char. Prevailing color black, with reflections of green and purple. 
Length about 40 inches. 
Nest. On mangrove-trees near the shore, loo.sely made of twigs. 
Eggs. Usually i ; white ; 2.70 X 1.85. 
The Frigate Pelican, or Man-of-War Bird, is chiefly seen on 
the tropical seas, and generally on the wing. These birds are 
abundant in the island of .Ascension, India, Ceylon, and China. 
In the South Sea they are seen about the Marquesas, Easter 
Isles, and New Caledonia ; also at Otaheite. Dampier saw them 
in great plenty in the island of Aves, in the West Indies ; and 
they are common off the coast of East Idorida, particularly 
around the reefs or keys, often assembled in flocks of from 
fifty to a thousand. They are also not uncommon, during sum- 
mer, along the coasts of the Union as far as South Carolina, 
and breed in various places, retiring to wanner latitudes on the 
approach of cool weather. 
The Frigate Bird is often seen smoothly gliding through the 
air, with the motions of a Kite, from one to two hundred 
