THE G11EB1':S.* 





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TUK cnrsTEii, nii: hcknji), 'ihe fawi), am) .iiji; i.iitle ORi.iif. 



The Grebes, instead of true webs, have tlie toes eiihu-gecl as in the eoots, and tlie 

 anterior united only at their base by membranes. Tlie elaw of the middle toe is Hat ; 

 the tarsi strongly compressed. The semi-metallic shining of their plumage has caused it 

 to be frequentl)- used by furriers. Their tibia is elongated towards the point, which 

 affords a more extensive insertion for the extensor muscle of the leg. 



These birds live on lakes and ponds, and build in the rushes. In certain countries, it 

 appears, they carry their young under their wings. Tlicir appearance and plumage 

 chanrre .so much with age, that naturalists liave over-multiplied the species ol' tliese liirds. 



The Grebe is not adapted to sit upright like the penguin. A\'lien resting on the land, 

 it lies prone on its whole body, and consequently shufHcs along like a seal, pushing itself 

 onwards by striking the ground witli its feet. But to its life as a swimming-bird it is 

 perfectly adapted. 



The grebes swim with equal facility either on or bcn(>ath the surface of the water ; in 

 the latter case they use tlieir wings as if flying in the liquid elenu-nf. Their food consists 

 of fishes, insects, and aquatic reptiles; but the stomach, wlien di.ssected, is usually found 

 to eontaiu a mass of feathers, which it woiilil ;qii)ear tlie l)ii(l had taken from its own 



plumage. 



The quickness with which the grebes dive is very remarkable ; so instantly is the 

 plunge made, that they are able to avoid tlie shot from a fowling-piece, fired by a 



I'odictps. 



