io8 GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 



GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 



TIPPET GREBE. CRESTED GREBE. GREATER LOON. 

 LOON. GAUNT. 



PLATE CCI. FIGURE I. 



Podiceps crista/ns, PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



Colymlus cornutus, BRTSSON. 



Colymbus cristatus, LINNAEUS. 



rilHE 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 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 



