LITTLE GREBE. 151 
' 273. SCLAVONIAN GREBE—(Podiceps cornutus). 
Dusky Grebe, Horned Grebe.—Rather a rare bird in the 
summer, and not common at any period of the year; nor has it 
ever been known to breed with us. 
274. HEARED GREBE—(Podiceps auritus). 
The rarest of all the Grebes. It occurs however from time to 
time, and J knew of one instance in Essex some thirty years ago 
in which one of these birds was taken from a Water-Rat’s hole 
into which it had been seen to creep for shelter. 
275. LITTLE GREBE—(Podiceps minor). 
Dabchick or Dobchick, Didapper, Small Ducker, Blackchin 
Grebe.—A very common and very interesting little bird, and yet, 
in spite of its frequency and familiarity, blessed with a couple of 
scientific names, originating (as in the case of the Dunlin), in 
differences of plumage, depending on age or season. It is 
difficult to say where it is zo¢ to be met with in spring, provided 
only there be what the Americans call a suflicient ‘“ water- 
privilege,” neither too shallow nor too rapid, for its requirements. 
As expert a diver as any of those hitherto named, it seldom resorts 
to the use of its wings, except just at the time when birds’ love- 
making goes on. Then the male (at least) may be seen working 
his short wings most vigorously and rapidly, uttering his rattling 
ery as he circles over and about the Mere on which he has 
“squatted” for the season. The nest is a heap of water weeds 
only just flush with the surface, and always steeping wet. The 
eggs are four, five or six in number, perfectly white when laid, 
but soon ceasing to be clean-looking, for they grow more dingy 
day by day, until on some waters they become completely mud- 
coloured, on others, assume a hue which I can compare to nothing 
but old blood stains on some dirty surface. I am quite convinced 
that in some cases at least this discolouration is intentional on the 
