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TEXT-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY 



for retaining a firm hold of its slippery prey. In consequence of the 

 legs being articulated so far behind, the body of the bird whilst sitting is 



maintained in a vertical position, while its 

 walk is awkward and ungainly. When it 

 has to traverse longer distances, it makes 

 use of the help of its wings, creeping along 

 " on all fours," as it were. The manner 

 in which it obtains its food compels the 

 bird to migrate in autumn. (Why?) It 

 is, however, a feeble flier, on account of 

 its short wings and rudimentary tail. The 

 plumage of the under side is of a glossy 

 silver white, and is used as a fur ; the back 

 is blackish-brown. In the summer the 

 neck is ornamented with a reddish-brown 

 ruff, and the head with a bifurcated black 

 crest of feathers ; hence its name. 



FAMILY OF GREAT CRESTED GREBES. 



The male standing on the bank about one-tenth natural size. 

 N., Floating nest. 



Allied Species. 



The Little Grebe or Dabchick (P. minor) is also of frequent occur- 

 rence in Germany and England. The bird is about the size of a 

 partridge, blackish-brown above and greyish-white below. 



