NATATORES. 383 



the sudden rising of the water which always occurs in the 

 rivers after rain, the birds are thus secured from this among 

 other dangers : the nest, which is placed either on the stump 

 of a low tree or on the bank about two feet above the level of 

 the water, is formed of dried reeds, and lined with feathers 

 and down plucked by the bird from its own breast ; the eggs 

 are of a large size, usually two in number and of a uniform 

 pale olive, three inches long by two broad. 



The young birds if pursued while on the water mount on 

 the back of their parent, who immediately dives with them 

 to a place of safety ; just as Grebes do when any danger 

 threatens them. 



During the pairing- and breeding-season, which is in the 

 months of September and October, this bird emits a strong 

 musky odour, which is often perceptible long before it can be 

 seen, and this odour is retained for years afterwards in the 

 skins of specimens killed during that particular season. 



Its note is extremely singular, resembling the sound caused 

 by a large drop of water falling into a deep well ; or it may be 

 imitated by the sudden opening of the lips. 



A most remarkable difference exists in the relative size of 

 the sexes, the bulk and admeasurements of the female being 

 not more than half of those of the male, who alone possesses 

 the wattle under the throat, the use of which I could not detect. 



The male has the crown of the head and the back of the 

 neck brownish black ; the remainder of the upper surface, 

 chest and flanks blackish brown, crossed by numerous narrow 

 freckled bars of buffy white ; wings and tail blackish brown ; 

 throat and under surface dark brown, each feather tipped with 

 pale buffy white ; irides dark brown ; bill and lobe beneath 

 the chin greenish black ; legs and feet dark leaden grey ; in- 

 side of the tarsi greenish grey. 



The female is similar in colour, but has all the markings 

 lighter and less distinct, and is destitute of the lobe beneath 

 the chin. 



