520 PODICIPEDID^ 



them were English-bred birds (vide also Booth, ' Rough 

 Notes,' pt. xiii.). 



The Red-necked Grebe very rarely visits Ireland. The 

 earliest recorded specimen, an immature bird, appears to 

 have been taken in the autumn of 1.831, off the coast of 

 co. Down (Thompson). The most recent capture appears 

 to be that of a bird taken on the Donegal coast some years 

 previous to November, 1887. Other examples have been 

 obtained in the following counties : 



Cork : One, December, 1842 (Thompson) ; another, 

 December, 1850, from the same county. 



Waterford : An immature male, January 25th, 1854 

 (Ussher, * Birds of Ireland '). 



Wexford cy Wicklow : An immature female, February 

 24th, 1838 (Thompson). 



Dublin : An immature bird, January 24th, 1848 

 (Thompson). 



Antrim: A female, February 23rd, 1850 (Thompson). 



To these may be added an adult male, shot on the River 

 Shannon (county not specified), February, 1865 (' Field,' 

 March llth, 1865 ; also Ussher, ' Birds of Ireland ' p. 379). 



Excepting the last record and that of the bird taken in 

 the co. Waterford, the occurrences have been always on 

 the coast. 



In its general habits this Grebe closely resembles the 

 preceding species. As a rule it is observed swimming not 

 far from the land, particularly in rough weather, when it 

 appears in greatest numbers. Being rather sombre-plumed, 

 especially when in winter-dress, and swimming low in the 

 water, it is easily overlooked. 



Flight. It flies rapidly, but generally endeavours to 

 escape observation by diving. 



Voice. The note is harsh and somewhat similar to that 

 of the Great Crested Grebe, but is said to be even louder. 



Food. Fish, eaten in large quantities, constitute the 

 diet, but small molluscs and crustaceans are occasionally 

 swallowed. 



Nest. In its selection of site and materials, and in the 

 construction of the nest, this species resembles the Great 

 Crested Grebe ; indeed with the latter it may be found 

 breeding in company. The eggs, characteristic of the 

 Family to which the bird belongs, are muddy white, elon- 

 gated, with both ends pointed, and three or four in number. 

 They are laid during May or June. 



