GREAT CRESTED GREBE 



TIPPET GREBE CRESTED GREBE GREATER LOON- 

 LOON GAUNT. 



PLATE CC I. FIGURE I. 



Podiceps cristatus, . . PENNANT. MACGILLIVRAY. 



Colymbus cornutus, . . BRISSON. 



Colymbus cristatus, . . LINNAEUS. 



Podicipes cristatus, . . SAUNDERS. 



THE Loon breeds in fresh water, and makes its nest, 

 such as it is, early in the year in the month of April. 

 It is a very large and careless mass of weeds, flags, and 

 other water-plants, partly sunk under, and partly raised 

 above the water, the top being slightly hollowed. The 

 general width is about a foot or a little over, the height 

 about half as much. 



The eggs are three or four, and very rarely five. Four 

 appears to be the usual average number, but one of them is 

 generally addled. They are concealed by fragments of rushes 

 placed over them, and if these be removed others are added. 

 Their colour is white or greenish obscured by chalky white ; 

 from the structure of the nest, they soon become soiled and 

 discoloured. 



Yarrell says : " The parent birds are very careful of their 



