LIST AND DESCRIPTION 45. 
3. HorNeD GREBE (Colymbus auritus.) 
A rather rare bird, but it probably nests in the northeastern 
part of our State. It is slightly smaller than a Blue-winged Teal. 
Crown and throat black with a small buff crest extending back 
from the eyes; neck buff, shading to darker on the back. 
4. Earep GREBE (Colymbus nigricollis californicus.) 
This Grebe is about the size of the last and very similar in 
plumage except that the buff crest is smaller and the neck black. 
It is more westerly in range and probably does not nest in South 
Dakota, although specimens have been taken in the State. 
6. PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps.) ' 
About the size of a Green-winged Teal, and commonly 
called “Hell Diver.” Brownish black above with belly nearly 
white; throat black; a black band around the light brown bill. 
In winter the throat changes to nearly white and the band on 
the bill disappears. A common summer resident, thoroughly at 
home in the water, nesting over most of the State in rivers, 
lakes and ponds. The nests are carelessly built, usually on 
clumps of moss or bog, but frequently on old muskrat houses. 
The seven or eight bluish eggs hatch in about twenty-one days. 
The young immediately take to the water and remain with the 
mother until old enough to care for themselves. 
7. Loon (Gavia immer.) 
This fine bird is sometimes called the Great Northern 
Diver. It is not abundant in South Dakota but individuals. 
may be seen on our largest lakes during summer. A specimen 
in the University Museum was taken in the Vermillion River, 
Clay County. The black head, white belly, and distinctly black 
and white markings on neck and back of the summer plumage 
contrast strangely with the dull gray of the winter dress. At 
present these birds rarely nest within our borders but prefer to 
rear their young farther north, widely separated from mankind. 
The nests are usually on an island or point of land and near the 
shore, so that the birds when disturbed can immediately escape 
into the water and dive. 
Their food consists of small fish and other aquatic forms. 
They are not edible. 
