( 383 ) 



This species is common along the Atlantic Districts, as well as in 

 the interior ; it is generally found on fresh water streams. Like the 

 former species, it passes most of its time on the water, and seldom 

 resorts to land except for the purpose of reproduction. Breeds in 

 various parts of the Union. At the approach of winter migrates 

 South. 



PODICEPS CRISTATUS— LATHAM. 



CRESTED GREBE. 



Podiceps cristatus, Bonap. Syn. 



Podiceps cristatus, Crested Grebe, Sw. & Rich. 



Crested Grebe, or Gaunt, Guttall. 



Cristed Grebe, Podiceps crestatus, Aud. Orn. Biog. 



Specific Character— ■Bill along the gap two inches and five-eighths, 

 length of tarsi two and three-eighths. Adult male with the hill 

 blackish-brown ; upper part of head and the crest black ; cheeks, 

 throat, and band before the eye white ; ruff reddish-brown, termina- 

 ting with black ; nape and upper parts blackish-brown ; shoulders 

 of the wings and the secondaries white ; flanks and the sides of the 

 upper portion of the breast, reddish-brown ; the rest part of the 

 breast, fore neck, and abdomen white ; eyes light red ; bill black- 

 ish-brown, feet greenish-black. Female, with the crest very slight ; 

 sides of the body dusky, upper parts tinged with gray; bill dusky- 

 green. Length twenty-four inches, wing seven and a half. 



The Crested Grebe is said to inhabit the North of both continents, 

 from which it migrates on the approach of winter to a more moder- 

 ate climate. In the middle districts it is not of frequent occurrence, 

 but more common on the large streams in the interior. It is occa- 

 sionally observed about the submerged meadows on Long Island. 

 Like the rest of this tribe, it is exclusively aquatic, and feeds chiefly 

 on small fish, which it procures by diving. Early in Spring, it 

 moves on to the North, where it passes the season of re-production. 

 " The Grebes are to be found in all the secluded lakes of the moun- 

 tainous and woody districts of the Fur Countries Its nest, formed 

 of a large quantity of grass, placed among reeds and carices, rises 

 and falls with the water. It feeds on small shell-fish, frogs, and in- 

 sects." — Faura Boreali Americana. 



