PIED-BILLED GREBE. 387 



tries, however, for the North in the month of Aprih Most of 

 the birds seen in this vicinity are young or unadult ; they feed 

 principally on fish and aquatic insects such as large Ncpas 

 and other kinds. They otten swim about without appearing 

 to take any alarm from the peaceful spectator, but in the 

 next moment dive and swmi under water for such a length of 

 time as to appear for several minutes entirely invisible ; and 

 at such times these Water Witches, as they are deservedly 

 called, are often moving about entirely submerged to the bill, 

 which is the only part elevated above the water; and in. the 

 covert of the surrounding aquatic herbage this small project- 

 ing point is not only easily overlooked, but with difficulty 

 discovered. Like Ducks, they are also somewhat nocturnal in 

 their habits, and may be perceived after sunset in the dusky 

 twilight actively engaged, and swimming about the ponds with 

 great activity. While here they are not heard to utter any 

 note, and their breeding-places are wholly unknown. The 

 young are often eaten, and are generally tender and well 

 flavored. 



The Dabchick is more abundant near the Atlantic than any 

 other of this group. It breeds from the Middle States to the lower 

 fur countries. 



Since Nuttall's day we have learned something more of the 

 breeding habits of this species, and modern observers are apt to 

 express surprise that the bird should have escaped the notice of 

 earlier naturalists. In habits the Dabchick does not differ materi- 

 ally from other Grebes. 



