GEE AT CEESTED GREBE 515 



gullet. As a rule this Grebe swims low in the water a 

 common characteristic of diving-birds but when resting, 

 heedless of danger, it will rise buoyantly. It generally 

 dives to escape danger, disappearing almost without a 

 splash, and remaining under water for a considerable time. 



Flight. Grebes, as a race, fly but little, except when on 

 migration, when locally changing their quarters, or when 

 driven to take wing by their enemies. Nevertheless though 

 their wings are small and their flight-feathers short, they 

 are capable of sustained journeys in the air. When flying, 

 the neck is extended at full length in a line with the body, 



FIG. 61. HEAD OF GREAT CRESTED GREBE. f Nat. size. 



while the large lobed toes (fig. 62), uncovered by the rudi- 

 mentary tail, are stretched out behind. This Grebe at 

 times may be seen flying at a considerable height, either 

 alone or in company with other wildfowl. 



Voice. The note is hoarse, and though rather subdued, 

 is full-toned and carries a long distance. When alarmed 

 the bird utters an angry cuJc-cuk-cufc-cuk-cuk-cuk. 



Food. At sea the chief food consists of fish, often eels, 

 but on fresh water, tadpoles, frogs, newts, aquatic insects, 

 and their larvae are consumed, and the bird not only dives 

 for its prey, but also swims about with rapid twists and 



