510 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



been much molested, entirely deserted the island during the 

 day, retmiiing at night in a body of several hundreds, to 

 roost on the ground and low bushes near the centre of the 

 island." 



Mr. Macgillivray observed that the colouring of the bill 

 and soft parts also varies with the age of the individual ; 

 in the first stage the bill is of a delicate bluish pink, 

 the pink tint predominating at the base of the upper mandi- 

 ble, the bare patch about the eye of a dull leaden hue, and 

 the pouch flesh-coloured ; in the second the colouring of these 

 parts is similar but somewhat brighter, and ultimately the 

 irides become grey, and the legs and feet vermilion. 



In habits, manners, and general economy it doubtless closely 

 resembles the other members of the group, and procures its 

 fleshy food in a similar manner, by plunging down upon them 

 as they swim near the surface of the water. 



The adults have the entire plumage buffy white, with the 

 exception of the wings and tail ; the former of which are 

 blackish brown, washed with grey, and the latter pale greyish 

 brown, passing into grey with white shafts ; irides grey ; legs 

 and feet vermilion. 



Family PODICIPID^. 



There is no country of any extent wherein Grebes are not 

 to be found ; and, as their wing-powers are very limited, they 

 are mostly stationary. 



Had I followed my contemporaries, those inhabiting Aus- 

 tralia would be described under as many subgenera as there 

 are species, viz. Podiceps, PodiocepJiahs, and Tachyhapius \ 

 but I retain them imder the prior appellation ; others of each 

 form, it is true, are found elsewhere ; still I think it expedient 

 to keep them in the genus Podiceps. 



