DABCHICK 



LITTLE GREBE BLACK-CHIN GREBE DIDAPPER SMALL 



DOUCKER. 



PLATE CCII. FIGURE I. 



Podiceps minor, . . . . . . GOULD. 



Colymbus minor, NAUMANN. 



Podiceps fluviatilis, ...... DRESSER. 



THE nest of the Dabchick, which is placed at a little 

 distance from the water, on or among any plants that 

 grow near the sides of rivers, lakes, and ponds, is composed 

 of short pieces of roots, reeds, rushes, and flags, and a 

 considerable quantity of these is occasionally put together, 

 sometimes to the height of a foot or more ; when dry the 

 whole naturally becomes very brittle. 



The eggs are four, five, or six in number, oval in shape, 

 tapering towards each end, and dull white in colour. The 

 bird is in the habit of covering them over with weeds when 

 leaving the nest for a time, at least, as soon as they are 

 all laid, and it would further appear that the covering is 

 not then removed, but that she sits on both it and the 

 eggs ; they become a good deal stained in consequence. 

 The period of breeding is about the middle of May, but 

 two broods are often reared in the season. 



The young take to the water immediately on being 

 hatched. 



