Christopher
Isherwood was obviously unaware of the distinction when
he began a poem, "The common cormorant (or shag)/lays
eggs inside a paper bag". His information about the
bird's nesting habits shouldn't be relied on either. Cormorants
and shags are medium-to-large seabirds, usually with mainly
dark plumage and areas of coloured skin on the face which
are bright blue, orange, red or yellow. The bill is long,
thin, and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and
webbed, a distinguishing feature among the Pelecaniformes
order. They are coastal rather than oceanic birds, and
some have colonised inland waters. They range around the
world, except for the central Pacific islands.All are
fish-eaters, dining on small eels, fish, and even water
snakes. They dive from the surface, though many species
make a characteristic half-jump as they dive, presumably
to give themselves a more streamlined entry into the water.
Under water they propel themselves with their feet. |
