Читать книгу Western Bird Guide - Reed Charles Keller - Страница 7
FULMARS AND SHEARWATERS
CORMORANTS – Family Phalacrocoracidæ
ОглавлениеFARALLONE CORMORANT
120c. Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus. 30 inches
Plumage glossy greenish black, with back and wings slaty. These birds breed in large numbers on the Farallones, placing their nests well up on the higher ridges and also in the trees on some of the inland islands, or near large ponds or lakes. They build large nests of sticks and roots, lined with grass, seaweed and moss.
Nest.– Three to five chalky, greenish white eggs are laid (2.40 × 1.50).
BRANDT CORMORANT
122. Phalacrocorax penicillatus. 35 inches
Plumage, under parts are same as above. Bill more slender and nearly straight. The young are hatched without feathers or down and the skin is nearly black. The young for two or three months are the food supply for the larger Gulls. Like the other Cormorants breeding on these islands, they stay closely by their nests to protect them from the Gulls that are always on the watch for either the eggs or young.
Range.– Pacific coast, breeding along the whole coast of the United States.
BAIRD CORMORANTS
123b. Phalacrocorax pelagicus resplendens. 28 inches
This smaller Cormorant breeds on the Pacific coast from Washington south to Mexico. It is not nearly as common as the former species and not inclined to breed in colonies with the others, but is more secluded.
Nest.– Their nest building is very similar, using the rocks and cliffs on which to place their nests mostly, and very seldom building in trees. Their eggs are much smaller, averaging 2.20 × 1.40.
RED-FACED CORMORANT
124. Phalacrocorax urile. 32 inches
The plumage of this species differs from the above chiefly in having the forehead bare. Their breeding habits are the same as other members of the family. That the Cormorants are expert fishermen may be seen from the fact that the Chinese tame them to catch fish for them, placing a ring about their necks to prevent their swallowing the fish.
Nest.– The nesting places of these as well as other members of this family are very filthy, being covered with excrement and the remains of fish that are strewn about their nests (2.50 × 1.50).
