■^^96 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



streams, as well as on the borders of the larger lakes in the neighbour- 

 hood of Bizerta and Tunis, and is to be met with in the oasis of 

 Gabes, where, as in some other South Tunisian oases, it is probably 

 resident. 



According to Loche the species is sedentary and to be found on 

 all the lakes of Algeria, being particularly numerous on Lakes 

 Halloula and Fezzara. In Marocco, according to Favier, it is resident 

 near Tangier, and to a great extent migratory, passing north during 

 April and reappearing from October to December. It is resident and 

 especially numerous at the lakes of Ras-Dowra. 



The little Grebe is to be found, in suitable localities, throughout 

 Europe generally from Scandinavia down to the Mediterranean, in 

 Africa from the north down to the Cape, and in temperate Asia as 

 far east as Japan. 



The species frequents fresh-water localities as a rule, and may be 

 found on small pools, ponds and river-sides, as well as on the borders 

 of lakes and large expanses of water. It is excessively shy, and when 

 approached, immediately dives, disappearing under water like a flash, 

 not reappearing on the surface until it has placed many yards between 

 itself and the apprehended danger. Though most reluctant to take 

 wing, it flies well and fairly swiftly. It is very silent as a rule, but at 

 times, and particularly during tlie nesting season, utters a low soft note. 

 Its food consists chiefly of small fish, molluscs insects and vegetable 

 substance, and it is said to swallow feathers. 



The Dabchick's nest is a voluminous mass of aquatic herbage, 

 generally placed among reeds, and sometimes floating on the water, 

 but attached to some plant. The eggs, four to six in number, are 

 creamy-white when fresh, but become darker with age and soiling ; 

 they measure about 38 X 25 mm. 



Like other Grebes, the present species, on leaving its eggs, care- 

 fully covers them with weeds or other plant material, plucked with 

 its bill, from the side of the nest. The parent birds also carry their 

 young on their backs until the chicks can shift for themselves, which 

 they are generally able to do when about a week old. 



