82 WATER BIRDS 
by the mate of the nesting bird. In no case was there 
any attempt at nest-building. 
When watching this bird stride over the rocks with a 
queer stilted motion, one is impressed with the idea 
that its odd gait is the effect of self-consciousness. So 
shy is it that it keeps up a constant nervous turning of 
its head in search of danger, and takes alarm at the least 
unusual sight in the distance. The call note is a low, 
rather musical whistle. 
BIRDS FOOND: IN BATYLOUS 
AND MARSHES 
1. WESTERN GREBE. — A:chmophorus occidentalis. 
Famity: The Grebes. 
Length: 27.50. 
Adult Plumage: Top of head and stripe down back of neck black ; rest 
of upper parts brownish gray; lower parts, including sides of head 
and all of neck except stripe down back, glossy white; bill long and 
yellowish white, with black stripe down upper mandible from base 
to tip. 
Downy Young: Above uniform light brownish gray ; under parts white. 
Geographical Distribution: Western North America from Lower Cali- 
fornia to British Columbia ; east to Manitoba. 
Breeding Range: Breeds locally nearly throughout its habitat. 
Breeding Season: Approximately, May 15 to July 1. 
Nest: A mass of floating vegetation on the surface of the water in a slough 
or marsh, and usually fastened to surrounding rushes. 
Eggs: 2 to 5; soiled bluish green. Size 2.50 X 1.40. 
Aichmophorus occidentalis is the largest of all the 
North American grebes, but not the most common. It is 
found in the marshy portions of the inland lakes on the 
Pacific coast and throughout the Western States. Gre- 
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