INTRODUCTION, 19 
It differs, however, in having its toes bordered with a scalloped 
membrane, so that it is a sort of half-web-footed Bird. Another 
Bird with also half-webbed or ‘“ lobed” feet is the South- 
American one named Heliornis fulica. To such Birds as the Coot 
and its allies we shall have again to refer *. 

The American Fin-foot (Heliornis fulica). 
Yet another very common inhabitant of our lakes and ponds, 
which also has its toes festooned with membrane, and notable 
for its soft plumage, is the Dabchick (fig. 18), or Little Grebe 
(Podiceps minor). But seldom found on land, where it walks 
badly, and rarely taking the wing, it is a most ready diver, 
diving with perfect ease when but a week old, and swimming 
as soon as hatched. It and a few other larger Grebes found in 
* See below, p. 63. 
C2 
