520 PODICIPEDIDA& 
them were Hnglish-bred birds (vide also Booth, ‘ Rough 
Notes,’ pt. xiil.). 
The Red-necked Grebe very rarely visits Ireland. The 
earliest recorded specimen, an immature bird, appears to 
have been taken in the autumn of 1831, off the coast of 
co. Down (Thompson). The most recent capture appears 
to be that of a bird taken on the Donegal coast some years 
previous to November, 1887. Other examples have been 
obtained in the following counties :— 
Cork:—One, December, 1842 (Thompson); another, 
December, 1850, from the same county. 
Waterford :—An immature male, January 25th, 1854 
(Ussher, ‘ Birds of Ireland’). 
Wexford or Wicklow:—An immature female, February 
24th, 1838 (Thompson). 
Dublin: — An immature bird, January 24th, 1848 
(Thompson). 
Antrim :—A’ female, February 23rd, 1850 (Thompson). 
To these may be added an adult male, shot on the River 
Shannon (county not specified), February, 1865 (‘ Field,’ 
March 11th, 1865 ; also Ussher, ‘ Birds of Ireland’ p. 379). 
Excepting the last record and that of the bird taken in 
the co. Waterford, the occurrences have been always on 
the coast. 
In its general habits this Grebe closely resembles the 
preceding species. As a rule it is observed swimming not 
far from the land, particularly in rough weather, when it 
appears in greatest numbers. Being rather sombre-plumed, 
especially when in winter-dress, and swimming low in the 
water, it is easily overlooked. 
Flight.—It flies rapidly, but generally endeavours to 
escape observation by diving. 
Voice.—The note is harsh and somewhat similar to that 
of the Great Crested Grebe, but is said to be even louder. 
Food.—F ish, eaten in large quantities, constitute the 
diet, but small molluscs and crustaceans are occasionally 
swallowed. 
Nest.—In its selection of site and materials, and in the 
construction of the nest, this species resembles the Great 
Crested Grebe; indeed with the latter it may be found 
breeding in company. ‘The eggs, characteristic of the 
Family to which the bird belongs, are muddy white, elon- 
gated, with both ends pointed, and three or four in number. 
They are laid during May or June. 
