402 
Synopsis of (he Birds 
somewhat turned outward ; tibia much drawn up into the 
belly, wholly feathered ; tarsus naked, one third shorter than 
the outer toe, much compressed, carinated before and behind ; 
outer toe longest, edged externally by a small membrane ; 
connecting membrane broad, full, entire; hind toe half as 
long as the middle : nails moderate, curved, broad, bluntish ; 
middle nail serrated on the inner edge, equal to the others. 
Wings moderate, slender ; quills stiff ; second and third pri- 
maries longest. Tail rounded, of twelve or fourteen rigid 
feathers. 
Female similar to the male. Young, especially yearling, 
differing greatly from the adult. Moult twice in the year, 
acquiring additional ornaments in winter. Plumage very 
thick and close. Colors black. 
Keep in families near water. Fly well and rapidly. Alight 
on branches, or sit for hours on high rocks, with their wings 
spread open. Walk in an erect posture, awkwardly, resting 
on their rigid tail. Swim admirably, deep in the water, ge- 
nerally their head only appearing. Dive after their prey : 
remain long, and advance rapidly under water, pursuing their 
prey with the aid of their wings. Feed almost exclusively on 
fishes. Retire from the water with their prey in their bill ; 
in order to swallow it head foremost, toss it up in the air, 
catching it as it falls. Build on high trees or rocks, or even 
on the ground among reeds : nest made with little ar.t, and of 
coarse materials ; eggs three or four, whitish. May be trained 
to fish for man. 
Spread all over the world. Species rather numerous, 
about fifteen. 
353. Phalacrocorax cared, Dumont. Bill four inches long ; 
tail moderate, rounded, of fourteen feathers. 
Adult glossy black ; a white collar on the throat ; in win- 
ter, a golden green crest ; head, neck and thighs with long, 
slender, silky, white feathers. 
Young blackish, beneath mixed with whitish. 
