328 LAKES AND STREAMS 



Eed-Necked The red-necked grebe (P. griseigena) differs from the last species 



Grebe. ^ y le absence of the white eye-stripe, in the colour of its beautiful 

 reddish brown neck, and in the light ashy grey of its cheeks and throat. Its 

 breeding-grounds are mainly in Russian territory, extending as far east as Turke- 

 stan ; but it also nests in Germany, although not west of the Weser, and in south 

 Norway. Beyond these limits it is met with mostly as a straggler or a migrant. 

 A few of these birds remain on the North Sea in winter, but most migrate to the 

 south in October, and return in March and April to make themselves heard during 

 pairing-time by unrnelodious sounds that have been likened to the neighing of 

 young colts. The nest is similar to that of the crested grebe, in company with 

 which it is often found, but the eggs are smaller and of a paler green. 



„ J The eared or black-necked grebe (P. niqricollis) is a much 



Eared Grebe. . . 



more wary bird, resembling the last in haunts and habits amid 



remoter surroundings. It is best known as a native of central and southern 

 Europe, though its range includes all temperate Asia; and it is met with in 

 Iceland, Japan, and Cape Colony. It is easily distinguishable by the tufts which 

 rise from the ear-coverts, and by the upward curve of its beak. 

 Little Grebe, or On all inland waters of whatever kind and extent, the quaint- 



Dabcbick. looking little grebe or dabchick (P. fluviatilis) is as familiar as 

 the moorhen. It is quite a fresh-water sailor, for it never goes to sea, but from 

 the Continent migrates in considerable numbers across the Mediterranean to 

 Egypl and Morocco. Its breeding - area runs across Europe and Asia from the 

 British Isles to Japan, but does not extend farther north than Lake Ladoga or 

 include China. The nest in shallow waters frequently rests on the bottom, owing 

 to the mass of vegetation of which it is composed sinking as it is formed ; but 

 in ordinary circumstances it is a raft, moored to reeds, like those of other grebes. 

 It contains, in a small hollow, from three to six eggs, which the bird covers with a 

 layer of rotten water-plants when it leaves the nest. The dabchick is an expert 

 in diving, being able to swim under water for a hundred yards or more, disappear- 

 ing instantly almost without a sound, emerging just as quietly, and often rising no 

 higher above the surface than is sufficient to expose its beak and eyes. When 

 under water, dabchicks present considerable resemblance to frogs, owing to their 

 not using their wings but striking out their lobed feet horizontally, and bringing 

 them together again after each stroke. They feed mainly on small fish and 

 insects. The female is most careful in feeding her young. Leaving them in the 

 nest in charge of her mate, who shelters them under his wings, she darts off and 

 appears at some distance swimming about till she sees something suitable, when 

 she dives and brings it to the surface, and then, after shaking and cleaning it, 

 she reappears after a long plunge by the side of the nest, when she feeds the 

 chicles, who put out their heads from beneath her partner's wings. So long as 

 the water does not freeze, dabchicks will remain, but a long frost drives them 

 southwards in search of open water. In summer the dabchick has a black chin, 

 in winter the chin is white, and the general colour paler. The upper plumage 

 is blackish brown, the lower silvery white with brown mottlings on the chest 

 and sides, and the tail is the smallest of that of any European bird. The beak 

 is horn-coloured, yellowish green at the gape, and the legs are dark green. 



