390 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



autumn migration of this Grebe in Tunisia commences as early as 

 the end of September, and between that date and the end of March 

 considerable numbers may be found on all the lakes and inland bays 

 of the northern sea-coast. On the Lake of Tunis it may often be 

 seen, and an example from El Bahira, obtained by Salvin, is 

 preserved in the British Museum collection. 



According to Loche the species is abundant in Algeria, and used 

 to breed on Lakes Halloula and Fezzara. It has been met with by 

 Canon Tristram at Touggourt in the Algerian Sahara. 



According to Favier and Colonel Irby it is very plentiful and 

 breeds on the lakes of Ras-Dowra in North Marocco, its numbers 

 being sometimes perfectly marvellous. 



The Great Crested Grebe has an extensive range, for although only 

 a straggler to the extreme north of Europe, it breeds in our continent 

 from South Sweden down to the Mediterranean, throughout Africa 

 down to the Cape, and in Asia from Mongolia to India. It also 

 appears to be resident in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, but 

 is unrecorded from America. 



The present species frequents both fresh and salt-water lakes, as 

 also, particularly in winter and on migration, inland sheltered bays 

 and shallows on the sea-coast. It swims well, and is remarkably 

 expert in diving, often seeking to elude pursuit by these means instead 

 of by taking wing, although its flight, notwithstanding its short wings, 

 is fairly rapid when once the bird has risen from the water and got 

 well under weigh. 



It feeds on small fishes, aquatic insects and vegetable matter, and 

 like P. griseigena and other Grebes, swallows downy feathers, which 

 it plucks from its own body, the object of this peculiar habit, it is 

 said, being to facilitate digestion, although this explanation does not 

 seem quite satisfactory. 



The notes of the species are rather loud and deep, and are chiefly 

 to be heard during the breeding-season. 



The beautiful silky feathers of the underparts of this bird are the 

 cause of its being much persecuted in localities where the species is 

 plentiful, and large numbers are annually shot for the sake of their 

 skins, which are in great request for ladies' attire. 



The nest of this Grebe is usually a mass of floating flags or other 

 plants, and its eggs, three or four in number, are of a chalky-white 

 colour, often much stained. Thev measure about 55 x 36 mm. 



