258 LOBE-FOOTED BIRDS. 



alarm, and will remain under water amongst the floating 

 weeds and shelterinor herbao-e, with its bill alone elevated 

 above for respiration. Its nest, like that of other Grebes, is 

 formed of a large quantity of coarse aquatic plants, piled to- 

 gether to the thickness of a foot, and is generally fastened to 

 the reeds or flags, in order to prevent its removal by the cur- 

 rent. The eggs, 5 or G in number, are of a dirty white, and 

 somewhat less than those of a pigeon. These are generally 

 covered with weeds for concealment in the absence of the 

 birds; yet with every precaution they are frequently de- 

 stroyed by the water rat. 



In large rivers these little divers are often devoured by 

 pike and trout, while they are themselves engaged in the 

 pursuit of small fish. In the spring the males are very ac- 

 tive in pursuit of their intended mates, and at such times 

 frequently fly along the surface of the water to a small 

 distance, uttering often a shrill chattering noise. After 

 the breeding season, they frequent the inlets of the sea, 

 and feed on shrimps and other marine productions. This 

 species is not uncommon in most parts of the old continent, 

 but is by no means frequent in the north. 



The length of the Dabchick is only about 10 inches. Adults of 

 both sexes, at the age of 3 years : With the throat, summit of the head, 

 and nape, deep black. Sides and fore part of the neck bright chest- 

 nut. Breast and flanks blackish ; the remainder of the under plu- 

 mage blackish-ash, varied with some white shades; thighs and 

 rump tinged with rufous. Upper 2)arts blackish, with olivaceous re- 

 flections. Quills ashy-brown ; secondaries white interiorly and at 

 base. Bill black, base of the lower mandible, naked space to the 

 eye, and extreme point of the bill, whitish. Iris reddish-brown. 

 Feet externally grefenish-brown, interiorly flesh color. 



The young, after completing the moult, at the close of the first year, 

 have the summit of the head, nape, and upper part of the sides of 

 the neck, white, varied with irregular light and dark bands and 

 spots of rufous-brown. Behind the eye are some small oblique 

 streaks of white. Loicer part of the anterior portion of the neck, 



