MASON AND LEFROT. 305 



The members of the genus Merganser feed almost entirely 

 on fish, and therefore possibly do some damage locally. 



Ducks of most species are obtained for the markets in great 

 numb3rs and it is questionable as to whether the benefits derived 

 from these local industries counterbalance the value of the crops 

 destroyed. Some beneficial action may be attributed to them 

 because they eat snails, etc., to a great extent and in most cases 

 water insects (some of these however may be beneficial). 



With regard to the benefits derived from the sport in connec- 

 tion with ducks and geese what has already been noted under the 

 heading of game birds (Phasianidce} equally applies to this group 

 and also to the Snipes. 



PYGOPODES. 



PodicipdicB. 



The Grebes frequent ponds, etc., feeding on various insects, 

 Crustacea, young fish, etc. They frequently swallow feathers. 

 Jerd. B. I. Ill, 820. 



All Grebes have a habit of eating their own feathers. No 

 stones are found in the gizzard and the feathers apparently are a 

 substitute. F. I. IV, 473. A. le M., 287 (part). 



Fish when procurable, small reptiles, amphibians, molluscs, 

 crustaceans, insects and vegetable matter, feathers. E. B. C. 

 N. H., 54. 



1615. Podicipes cristatus. Great Crested Grebe. 



Fish : when confined ... it took ordinary fish readily (I have 

 seen it eat a dozen as large as large sprats and thicker, and then 

 want more). It did not seem to like prawns, nor would it eat a 

 small siluroid fish which I offered. On a few occasiors I saw 

 it deliberately eat one of its own feathers. A. S. B., 66-726. 



Young on fish. B. N. H. S. J. XVII, 515. 



1616. Podicipes nigricollis. Eared Grebe. 



Feed freely on small prawns and fish. A. S. B., 66-727. 



J617, Podicipes albipennis. Indian Little Grebe, or Dabchick. 



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