The dexterity with which the Cormorant seizes its prey is such that if a dead fish is thrown into the water from a distance, the bird will dive immediately, pursuing its course in a direct line to the spot, never failing to secure it, even before it reaches to the bottom. On shore the Cormorant is a dull, heavy bird, and it is only in the water, and especially while fishing, that it appears to advantage. It floats so low in the water, and swims and dives so quickly, that it seldom fails to capture its prey. Now on the surface, next moment below, onward it plunges as if making an attack; then rising suddenly in some unexpected spot after a lengthened dive, it is certain to have the unfortunate fish in its bill. Another peculiarity which belongs to this species is common with many other aquatic birds--that of violently beating the water with its wings without moving from the spot, followed by a vigorous shaking of the whole body, with the feathers ruffled, and, at the same time, covering itself with water. After repeating this several times with small intervals of rest, it will retire to an elevated place on shore, where it will remain with outspread wings until dry. The flight of these birds is rapid and lasting; but they are as heavy and awkward when on land as they are nimble and active in the water. Their nature being unsuspicious and trustful, they can be easily approached, particularly when resting after their fishing exertions. The Cormorant is widely diffused both in the Old and New World. It is a migratory bird, but is seen on our coast at all seasons. It breeds among rocks on the coast, selecting crags and inaccessible places, which sometimes are covered with their nests: these are composed of sticks and sea-weed, in which the female deposits her eggs, generally three in number, and which are of a whitish colour, weighing about two ounces. In Egypt four species of Cormorants are known. The Great Cormorant (_Carbo cormoranus_) is the size of a Goose; this species is often domesticated, and is frequently met with in France. THE GREEN CORMORANT, OR SHAG. ENGLISH SYNONYMS.--Green Cormorant: McGillivray, Morris, Selby. Shag: Montagu, Willoughby, McGillivray, Latham, Flemming. Crested Cormorant: Morris. Crested Shag: Montagu, Selby, Jenyns. LATIN SYNONYMS.--_Pelicanus graculus_: Linn., Latham, Montagu, Bewick. _Phalacrocorax graculus_: Cuvier, Brisson, Rennies, Montagu, McGillivray, Stephens, Flemming. _Phalacrocorax cristatus_: Meyer, Temminck. FRENCH SYNONYMS.--_Cormoran Larcup_: Temminck. _Petit Cormoran_, or _Nigaud_: Buffon. _Cormoran Nigaud_: Figuier. LOCAL SYNONYMS.--Black Cormorant, Crested Cormorant, Shag, Scart, Scarer, Green Scout, and the Booby Cormorant.