RED-THROATED DIVER. 297 



RED-THROATED DIVER. 



Colymhus se^tentrionalis. 



This is tlie most abundant of all the Divers^ following the 

 shoals of sprats^ whence it has obtained the name of Sprat- 

 loon^ devouring these fish in great numbers, as well as 

 slmmps. Many hundreds of these birds may daily be seen 

 passing up and down Channel, shifting about in small 

 parties, particularly in stormy weather. This Diver has a 

 very powerful flight, often ascending to a great height in 

 the air, and occasionally uttering its harsh guttural scream, 

 especially before rain or wind. In rough weather it fre- 

 quently comes for shelter to our harbours, and a few non- 

 breeding birds may be found throughout the year. This 

 species prefers to nest by small lochs and tarns, sometimes 

 at a considerable altitude. 



In Caithness and Sutherland it breeds out on the moors, 

 making a very little nest, a few yards from the water. The 

 Divers seem to be wholly constructed for this element, their 

 mode of progression on land being by pushing themselves 

 alons on their breast. 



PODICIPEDID^. 



GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 



Podiceps cristattis. 



This Grebe is most commonly found with us in the winter, 

 but a few seem to be resident, frequenting large ponds where 

 there are plenty of reeds. Its food consists for the most 



