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The Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax carbo.)
A frequenter of the sea-shore and inland waters, the Cormorant lives entirely on fish of which it consumes enormous quantities, its voracity being proverbial. It dives and pursues it prey under water with marvellous swiftness and agility. Small fish are swallowed immediately, large ones being brought to the surface and gulped down. In this process the bird is assisted by the fact that the skin of its throat is elastic and forms a pouch. In the East, Cormorants are trained to catch fish for their keepers, as was formerly the case in England, where the Master of the Cormorants was an officer of the Royal Household.