200 GREBES. 



tertials large and quadrangular, but becoming small 

 and nearly round upon the lower part of the back 

 and rump. Flanks and sides black spotted with 

 white, the rest of the under plumage white ; the 

 long axillary feathers the same, with a black stripe 

 down their centres ; tail short and rounded, consist- 

 ing of twenty feathers ; legs greyish black, paler on 

 the inside." 



The other British form among the Colymbidas is 

 that of the Grebes, also peculiarly aquatic and to- 

 tally unfitted for a life upon dry land. If we take 

 the last form as typical of this family, we shall find 

 some varieties in the structure of the Grebes, al- 

 though they are even more expert divers. The tail is 

 almost wanting and the toes are unconnected, but 

 are widely lobed. The plumage is very close, and 

 is silky to appearance, during the breeding season 

 changing to deep brown and chestnut, and receiving 



