15 



Order PYGOPODES. Diyixg Bjrds. 



Suborder PODICIFEDES. (Grebes. 



Family PODICIPID^. Grebes. 



Genus .ECHMOPHORUS Codes. 



1. .Echmophorus oocidentalis (Lawr.). Western Geeee. 



Accidental visitor. Mr. Fletcher M. Noe, of Indianapolis, informs me that a 

 specimen of this species was taken about two miles south of Indianapolis late in 

 September, 1886. I inquired for the specimen, but Mr. Noe had disposed of it, 

 hence [ could not see it. Prof. Evermann noted what Mr. Noe said of this bird in 

 the " American Naturalist," March, 1887, p. 291. 



Genus COLYMBUS LiNNjios. 



Subgenus Colyjibus. 



e2. Colymbus auritus AiJiH. Horned Grebe. 



A regular migrant throughout the southern part of the State, but never 

 abundant. It is also winter resident in some numbers. Among the lakes and 

 marshes of Northern Indiana it breeds in considerable numbers. Mr. Geo. L. 

 Toppan has a specimen in his collection in downy plum age, taktn at ShtflBeld, In 

 diana, May 24, 1878. 



Subgenus Dytes Kaup. 



3. Colymbus nigricoUis californicus (/?«i»i.). American Eared Grebe. 



Accidental visitor, or perhaps rare migrant. This Western species has not 

 heretofore been reported east of Illinois. The first record within this State is from 

 Brookville, Franklin County, May 19, 1883, where also a second specimen was taken 

 November 5, 1886. These are tlie only specimens I have seen in the State. Winter 

 visitor on Lake Michigan (Bray ton). 



Genus PODYLIMBUS Lesson. 



*4. Podylimbus podiceps (Linn.). Pied-billed Grebe; Water- witch; Dabchick; Dr- 

 DAPPER; Didipper; Dipper; Hell-Diver. 



A common species during the migrations, breeding commonly throughout 

 northern Indiana and in suitable localities in other parts of the State. They usu- 

 ally lay seven eggs, but sometimes the number reaches eight. It has been doubted 

 whether these birds ever build the floating nests which have been ascribed to them- 

 Dr. F. W. Langdon, in his '• Summer Birds of a Northern Ohio Marsh," says : " I 

 desire here to testify to the fact that the nest of the present species does float. 

 * * * The little floating island of decayed vegetation held together by mud and 

 moss, which constitutes the nest of this species, is a veritable ornithological curios- 

 ity. Imagine a ' pancake' of what appears to be mud, measuring twelve to fiftten 

 inches in diameter, and rising two or three inches above the water, which may be 

 from one to three feet in depth; anchor it to the bottom with a few concealed 



" Species marked witli an asterisk i.") breed w ithin the State. 



