GREAT CRESTED GREBE 343 



The great crested grebe still survives as a British species, although 

 it is a large and handsome bird, and, like all those to which such a 

 description applies, it has been much persecuted. Among our large 

 water-birds there are few more strikingly handsome and stately in 

 appearance than this grebe in its full breeding-plumage, when 

 viewed as it floats, unalarmed, on the secluded reed-fringed water it 

 loves. The swan, in its immaculate white dress, with proudly arched 

 neck and plume-like scapulars, when seen ' floating double,' is 

 to many minds the most perfect type of a beautiful waterfowl ; 

 certainly it is the most familiar. The great' grebe has a very 

 different appearance, with its straight neck, long, boat-shaped body, 

 dark upper and silvery under plumage, and its broad ruff and double, 

 ear-like crest ; but in some aspects he is not less attractive than 

 the white, larger bird, especially when sailing peacefully in close 

 proximity to tall, slender reeds, their beauty, and that of the bird, 

 enhanced by the ' magic of reflection,' when both seem part of the 

 glassy pool, and made for one another. 



Although in sadly diminished numbers, the great crested grebe 

 still breeds regularly in many localities in England, especially in the 

 eastern counties, and in a few. situations in Wales and Ireland. In 

 the northern counties of England it is very rare, and does not breed 

 in Scotland : it is there a winter migrant from the north of Europe. 



The habits of the grebe when on the water are similar to those 

 of the diver. It is adapted to a swimming and diving existence ; feeds 

 on fish, frogs, water-beetles, and other small aquatic creatures ; 

 when alarmed it sinks its body deeper and deeper into the water, 

 and when pursued, or in danger, seeks to escape by diving. It 

 makes little use of its wings, except when migrating. At most 

 times it is a silent bird, but in the breeding season utters a harsh, 

 grating cry. 



The grebe makes a large platform nest of aquatic plants, placed 

 on the water among the reeds. Four eggs are laid, the shell pale 

 blue in colour, but covered with a soft, white, chalky substance. 

 Invariably, when leaving the nest the bird covers the eggs with 

 moss and weeds, and the usual inference is that this is done to hide 

 them from rapacious egg-eating birds ; but Seebohm is of the opinion 

 that the eggs are covered to be kept warm, and he says that they 

 are covered only after the full complement is laid and incubation 

 begun. 



