r four eggs are laid during May and
June. The young birds when hatched are naked and black, and are
repulsive looking objects, as are those of all the other Cormorants. The
eggs are greenish white with the usual calcareous deposit. Size 2.30 x
1.40.

123a. VIOLET-GREEN CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax pelagicus robustus._

This sub-species is found on the Pacific coast from Washington to the
Aleutian Islands. Their habits and nests and eggs are the same as those
of the Pelagic Cormorant, nesting on the high cliffs of the rocky
islands. The eggs are the same size as those of the preceding.

123b. BAIRD'S CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax pelagicus resplendens._

This variety breeds on the Pacific coast from Washington south to
Mexico. They nest on the Farallones, but in smaller numbers than the
other varieties found there. Both the birds and their eggs are smaller
than the preceding. Size of eggs 2.20 x 1.40.

124. RED-FACED CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax urile._

Range.--Southwest coast of Alaska, migrating to Japan in the winter.

This species differs from the Pelagic chiefly in having the forehead
bare. They do not differ in their breeding habits from others of the
family. That the Cormorants are expert fishermen may be seen from the
fact that the Chinese tame and have them catch fish for them, placing a
ring around their neck to prevent their swallowing the fish. Their
nesting places are very filthy, being covered with excrement and remains
of fish that are strewn around the nests. They breed in June laying
three or four eggs. Size 2.50 x 1.50.

[Illustration 084: 120c--122.]
[Illustration: 123b--124.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]

Page 83

PELICANS. Family PELECANIDAE

Pelicans are large, short legged, web footed (all four toes joined by a
web) birds, the most noticeable feature of which is the long bill with
its enormous pouch suspended from lower mandible. This pouch, while
normally contracted, is capable of being distended to hold several
quarts. It is used as a scoop in which to catch small fish. Their skin
is filled with numerous air cells, making them very light and buoyant.

125. AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. _Pelecanus erythrorhynchos._

Range.--Temperate North America, breeding in the interior, from Utah and
the Dakotas northward. These large birds, reaching a length of five
feet, are entirely white except for the black primaries. They get their
food by approaching a school of small fish and, suddenly di