. BIRDS MET WITH BY THE WILDFOWLER 351 



summer haunts after the breeding season and make their 

 homes along the coast. The food consists of fish, crusta- 

 ceans, and any other living food which may be found. 



This bird is, as a rule, to be seen swimming about in the 

 centre of the open water, its long neck and low flat back 

 enabling it to be easily recognised. 



It flies well and strongly, appearing when on the wing 

 rather like a Duck. 



In winter it is dark brown above and white below, but in 

 spring it assumes a chestnut frill which surrounds the face ; 

 the crown, forehead, and crests are greyish brown ; the cheeks, 

 chin, and a stripe over the eye white. Bill red ; legs and 

 feet olive. 



The female resembles the male, but is rather duller. The 

 young in their first plumage are much like the adults in winter. 

 Length from 20 to 21 in. ; wing 7*5 in. 



RED-NECKED GREBE 



/ Podiceps rubricollis {Gmelin) 



This bird is a regular visitor to the British Isles on the 

 east coast during winter, and in some seasons becomes quite 

 abundant. It is rare, however, in other parts of our area, and 

 only a very few are recorded as coming from Ireland. It is 

 found in most parts of Eastern and Northern Europe, whence 

 it migrates southwards throughout Europe in the winter. In 

 habits and food it diff"ers very slightly from the Great Crested 

 Grebe. 



The crown, nape, and hind part of neck are blackish, 

 upper parts dark brown with a white patch on the secondaries. 



Cheeks, chin, and throat ashy-grey ; neck rich chestnut ; 

 rest of under parts white. Length from 17 to 18 in. ; 

 wing 7 in. The adult female in summer is similar in colour, 



