590 THE FEATHERED TRIBES. 



THE RED-NECKED GREBE.* 



The bird just named appears to be more partial to the sea than any of the other species. 

 It is only a winter visitant to the shores of Britain ; its breeding-places being within the 

 Arctic regions. It was observed during Franklin's expedition in 1822 upon the Great 

 Slave Lake. It is common in the north-eastern parts of Europe. 



THE LirrLE GEEBE.f 



This is the smallest and most interesting of the grebes. It is common in all the 

 southern counties of Britain, wherever ponds and small lakes, fringed with reeds and 

 dense herbage, offer it a refuge. Shy and wary, on the least appearance of danger, it 

 dives instantly, and takes shelter amidst the reeds, where it is effectually concealed. 



The cautious observer may see it, accompanied by its mate, or followed by its little 

 brood ; and pleasant it is to observe them sporting with such admirable ease and celerity. 



The life of this bird, often called the Dabchick, is passed almost entirely on the water. 

 It usually builds a floating nest, fixed to the surrounding tufts of herbage, so as to render 

 it secure. Sometimes it does not float ; it is then raised upon a mass of withered matted 

 vegetables, the debris of former years. It contains five or six eggs of a greenislx white, 

 which are carefully covered every time they are quitted by the female. 



» Podiceps Rubricollis. t Podiceps Minor. 



