The Little Grebe or Dabchick 



In summer the plumage, except for the cheeks, throat, 

 and sides of the neck, which are chestnut, is dark brown all 

 over, rather lighter on the under parts. 



In winter the chin, neck, and under parts are nearly 

 white. The plumage of the young resembles the winter 

 dress of their parents but is a little duller, and there is 

 more white about the cheeks. Length 9*5 in. ; wing 4 in. 



THE STORM PETREL 



Procellaria pelagica, Linnaeus 



This is the commonest of the Petrels which come to 

 our shores to breed, for as a rule these birds live far out at 

 sea and only visit the shore to breed or when driven inland 

 by stress of weather or on migration. About their 

 migrations little or nothing is known, but in October and 

 November this species regularly strikes many of our light- 

 houses and lightships, being attracted by the light. It is 

 found along the whole of the countries fringing the Atlantic, 

 and nests from the Faroes southwards, and also along the 

 shores of the western end of the Mediterranean. 



The single white egg is deposited during the latter half 

 of June down holes in heaps of stones, in rabbit-burrows, or 

 in any other spot affording suitable concealment. Incubation, 

 which is probably undertaken by both sexes, lasts about 

 thirty-five days, the nestling when hatched being covered 

 with long black down. Their food consists of crustaceans, 

 small fish, and fatty matter of any kind. They are nocturnal, 



