83 



GREAT-CRESTED GREBE. 



TIPPET GREBE. CRESTED GREBE. I,OON. 

 GREATER LOON. GAUNT. 



PLATE CCI. FIG. I. 



Podiceps cristatus, . . . Pennant. Montagu. 

 Colymhus cornutus, . . . Beisson. 



Colymhus cristatus, . . . Linn^us. 



The Loon breeds in fresh water, and makes its nest, 

 such as it is, early in the year — in the month of Aprih 

 It is a very large and careless mass of weeds, flags, 

 and other water-plants, partly sunk under, and partly 

 raised above the water, the top being slightly hollowed. 

 The general width is about a foot or a little over, 

 the height about half as much. 



The eggs are three or four, and occasionally five. 

 Four appears to be the usual average number, but 

 one of them is generally addled. They are concealed by 

 fragments of rushes placed over them, and if these be 

 removed others are added. Their colour is white or 

 greenish white. 



Yarrell says, ^'The parent birds are very careful of 

 their young, taking them down with them for security 

 under their wings when they dive." According to 

 Meyer the birds pair for life, and haunt the same nesting- 

 place year after year, both assisting in the work of 

 nidification. The young swim about as soon as hatched. 



