101 



GREAT CRESTED G&EBE. 



TIPPET GEEBE. CRESTED GREBE. LOON. GREATER LOON. GAUNT. 



PLATE CCI. FIG. I. 



Podice.ps cristatus, PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



Colymbus cornutus, BIIISSON. 



Colymbus cristatus, LINNJEUS. 



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 hol- 

 lowed. The general width is about a foot or a litble over, the height 

 about half as much. 



The eggs are three or four, and occasionally 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 

 white. 



Yarrell says, 'The parent birds are very careful of their young, 

 taking them down with them for security under their wings when 

 they dive/ According to Meyer the birds pair for life, and haunt the 

 same nesting-place year after year, both assisting in the work of nidi- 

 fication. The young swim about as soon as hatched. 



