CATALOCrVK OF BIRDS. 191 



These birds are particularly plentiful along the 

 wild, rocky coasts of the northern parts of Scotland, 

 breeding on the islands both off the coast and in the 

 fresh- water lochs. 



It is a singular habit with the present species, that 

 two or three females, with their broods, frequently keep 

 company ; at times but one of the parents remaining 

 with the school of young, while the others are following 

 their own devices : this often gives rise to the idea 

 that the family of the Merganser is more numerous 

 than it really is. 



The male and female were shot in Gairloch, off the 

 west coast of Ross-shire, in May, 1868 ; the young 

 being obtained on Loch Shin, in Sutherland, the 

 following month. 



GREAT CRESTED GREBE.— (Mature and 



Nestlings.) 



Case 250. 



After all the persecution that this curious bird has 

 undergone for the sake of its feathers, it is a remark- 

 able fact that it is still numerous in several parts of 

 Great Britain, and though its haunts are rapidly 

 becoming restricted by drainage, and other innovations, 

 the Broads in the eastern counties, with their extensive 

 reed-beds, are likely to afford it a safe asylum for 

 several years to come. 



During winter, even should the weather prove mild, 

 the majority of these birds take their departure from 

 their summer quarters, and are found for the most 

 part singly, either on the tidal rivers or the open sea. 



The summer plumage is acquired early in the year. 



