105 



DABCHICK. 



LITTLE GREBE. BLACK-CHIN GREBE. DIDAPPER. SMALL DOUCKER. LOON. 



PLATE CCII. FIG. I. 



Podiceps minor, STEPHENS. FLEMING. 



" Hebi-idicits, LATHAM. 



Colymbu-s Hebndicus, GMELLN*. 



" minor , GMELDT. 



fluviatilis, BBISSON. 



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 to- 

 gether, 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. 

 The period of breeding is about the middle of May. 



The youug take to the water immediately on being hatched. 



VOL. in. 



