26 



BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 



Holbcell's has the habit peculiar to other members of the Grebe 

 family of covering its eggs with vegetable matter when it has occa- 

 sion to be away from the nest, so that incubation goes on during the 

 -absence of the mother-bird. 



The migrations of the species extend across the Province, for it is 

 reported as a visitor in spring and fall at OttaM'a, Hamilton, London 

 and the Detroit River. The visits are always short, and the manners 

 of the birds while here are shy and retiring. 



For many years the young of this species was described as the 

 Crested Grebe, owing to the close resemblance it bears to the British 

 bird of that name. Dr. Brewer was the first to point out the 

 «rror, which is now corrected in all modern works on American 

 Ornithology. 



, / 



Subgenus DYTES Kaup. 

 COLYMBUS AURITUS Linn. 



•2. Horned Grebe. (3) 



Tarsus about equal to the middle toe without its claw ; bill much shorter 

 than the head, little more than half the tarsus, comprei^xed, higher than wide at 

 the nostrils, rather obtuse; crests and rufts highly developed. Small, length 

 about 14; extent, 24; wing, 6 or less; bill, about |; tarsus, l|. Adult : — 

 Above, dark brown, the feathers paler edged ; below, silvery-white, the sides 

 mixed duskv and reddisli ; most of the secondaries white ; fore neck and upper 



