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).
PELICANS.—Family Pelecanidæ.
WHITE PELICAN.
125. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. 60 inches.
Plumage mostly white, with black primaries; eyes white; bill and feet yellow, the former in the breeding season having a thin upright knob about midway on the top of the upper mandible. They get their food by approaching a school of small fish and suddenly dipping their head beneath the surface, sometimes scooping a large number of fish at a time; they contract the pouch, allowing the water to run out of the sides of the mouth, and then swallow the fish.
Nest.—On the ground made of sticks and weeds, generally only a lining about the outer edge; the eggs being placed upon the ground. Two or three eggs are laid, pure chalky white (3.45 × 2.30).