232 GREBES AND DIVERS 



Mckran. On the Sind coast it frequents the sea in place of inland 

 waters. In Ireland it is very rare. 



In addition to the features already noticed, the black-necked t;rebe 

 in its summer-plumage is characterised by the dark golden yellow of 

 the long hair-like ear-covcrts, from which it derives its name of eared 

 grebe ; the black feathers of the rest of the head and the neck ; the 

 dark brown upper-parts, with the inner primary and the secondary 

 quills, except the inner ones, white ; the black mingled with red of 

 the flanks ; the silvery white under-parts ; and the wholly black beak. 

 In winter the species closely resembles the Sclavonian grebe at the 

 same season ; from whicli it ma\-, however, be distinguished at all 

 seasons and ages by the white on the primaries and the upward 

 inclination of the beak. The length of the adult is from 12 to 13 

 inches. Young birds are indistinguishable, so far as colour is con- 

 cerned, from their parents in winter-dress. In the downy chick the 

 longitudinal stripes on the head and back are brown and black, while 

 the under-parts are white. 



The habits of this grebe are much the same as those of the other 

 members of the group. It may be noted, however, that the nest (like 

 that of the Sclavonian grebe) is sometimes fi.xed ; being in the case 

 of this species on some occasions supported on a solid foundation 

 built up from the bottom to a height of a )'ard or more, so as to reach 

 the surface of the water. Although in some places formed of the 

 usual decomposing reeds or rushes, in Denmark it has been found 

 built chiefly of moss, the material with which most grebes seem to 

 cover their eggs when leaving their nests. The eggs vary in number 

 from two to five, and arc practically identical with those of the 

 Sclavonian species : they may apparently be immersed in water 

 during the process of incubation without the slightest harm to their 

 fertility. 



Dabchick Although less abundant than formerl)- in the Thames 



(Podicipes '^"*^' ^^^ tributaries, the dabchick, or little grebe, is by 



fluviatilis). ^'^^ ^^^^ commonest representative of the group in the 



British Isles, where it is resident on freshwaters 



throughout the year. During the cold months of the year it is most 



commonl)' to be seen on small streams, where the water generally 



remains open, but at other seasons it may be observed on rivers, lakes, 



and ponds, wherever there is sufficient covert of reeds or rushes to suit 



its habits. At times a pair may take up their quarters on some pool, 



not much larger than a good-sized bath, by the side of a railwaj', where 



