702 -GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 



The nest is usually a patch of wet sedge or other aquatic plants 

 floating on the surface of the water ; the eggs — laid in May and 

 seldom, if ever, more than 4 in number — are of a chalky-white (with 

 a green lining membrane) when fresh, but soon become ochreous- 

 brown from contact with decomposing vegetable matter : average 

 measurements 2*2 by 1*5 in. The female frequently covers them 

 with sedge on leaving her nest. Both parents are very careful of 

 their young, which repose upon their backs just behind the insertion 

 of the wings, and they feed them with young eels and other small 

 fish, crustaceans »!v:c. ; tadpoles and frogs are also eaten, while feathers 

 are frequently swallowed and brought up in castings, together with 

 fish-bones and other indigestible substances. This bird may often 

 be seen flying at a considerable height, like a wild duck ; its note 

 is a harsh croak. 



The adult male in summer has the crown and crest dark brown ; 

 cheeks white ; tippet chestnut, blackish at the margin ; upper parts 

 dark brown ; carpals and secondaries white — very conspicuous in 

 flight ; under parts silky-white. Length 22 in., wing S in. Females 

 are rather smaller, and have the tippet and crest less developed ; 

 in winter these ornaments are absent for a time in both sexes. Little 

 crest or chestnut-colour is shown by the young until their second 

 year. The curiously striped nestling is figured below. 





