PODICIPID^. 219 
identifying in the Straits. I obtained one specimen with the 
red throat. Possibly the other two European species 
{Colymbits glacialis and C. arcticus) occasionally occur; but 
in any case some species of Diver is very common at times 
in winter at the entrance of the Straits. 
Family Podicipid^. 
331. PonicEPS cRiSTATus (Linn.). The Great Crested 
Grebe. 
" This large Grebe is, near Tangier, less common than 
Podiceps minor. Some remain in the country to breed ; the 
others pass north during March. They are very abundant 
at the lakes of Ras-Dowra." — Favier. 
I can quite corroborate the latter statement ; for when 
at these lakes at the end of April, the number of these 
Grebes, as well as of P. griseigena, was perfectly marvellous. 
They were in pairs, but had not commenced laying. These 
swampy lakes, much covered at the sides with aquatic plants 
and sedges, must be a Paradise for all Grebes and water- 
birds ; but it is vexation of spirit and almost useless for the 
ornithologist to go there. The Arabs, at the egging-season, 
move their tents close to the lake and plunder every nest 
they can find, and further pester Europeans to an unbearable 
degree, being almost as annoying and intrusive as the mosqui- 
toes, which are there as troublesome as in any country I have 
been in. Towards Casa Vieja and Gibraltar I never met with 
the present species ; but Lord Lilford found them breeding 
plentifully in May near the edge of the Goto de Donana. 
The Great Crested Grebe, in the adult breeding-plumage, 
is ruffed round the neck and crested; the female, smaller 
than the male, has the crest and frill smaller and less full. 
The total length is about 21 to 22 inches. 
332. Podiceps griseigena, Bodd. The Red-necked 
Grebe. 
" This bird is less common near Tangier than Podiceps 
