BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 377 



on its return to the south ; but while some proceed by the 

 coast, more seem to follow the course of the great rivers, since 

 they are seen in great numbers in the western states, flying at 

 all hours of the day. From their alertness in diving, by which 

 they often elude the aim of the fowler, they arc called Dippers j 

 when pursued, they keep only the bill above water ; and Au- 

 dubon says that they are easily caught when in ponds, by hooks 

 placed on lines near the ground. 



The Red-necked Grebe, Podiceps rubricollis. is found along 

 the coast from New York to Maine, in winter. In the fur 

 countries, they are common in the breeding season. Dr. Brewer 

 tells me that he has procured them here in the winter, which, 

 unlike the former, they spend in the eastern states. 



The Horned Grebe, Podiceps cornutus, returns from the 

 north in October, when it is seen in Massachusetts. Dr. 

 Brewer classes it with those that spend the winter here ; but 

 the greater proportion must go on, since they are common at 

 that season, on the southern inlets and rivers. While here, 

 they keep in the salt water, diving with great celerity, and 

 soon becoming so familiar with the gun, as to hide underwater 

 whenever they hear it. Nuttall mentions that the stomach of 

 those which he has opened has generally contained quantities 

 of their own feathers, plucked from the breast and swallowed. 

 Audubon says the stomach contains hair-like substances rolled 

 together like the pellets of owls ; particulars which require more 

 explanation than our present acquaintance with their habits 

 enables any naturalist to give. 



The Pied-billed Grebe, or Dobchick, Podiceps Cai'olinensis, 

 comes to us from the noith early in autumn, and remains till 

 the approach of winter. Those found here are generally young. 

 Their food consists of plants, seeds, water insects and small 

 fish, together with which they swallow gravel. In the gizzards 

 of some which Audubon examined, he found collections like 

 those just mentioned, which consisted of the down of thistles 

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