386 BRITISH BIRDS. 



assume a more streaked or lengthened form : the 

 under parts are white : the legs nearly the same as 

 those of the rest of the genus. The male and female 

 are nearly alike in their plumage. 



This species inhabits the same cold countries 

 as the other Divers, and its manners and habits 

 do not differ from theirs; but it is of a more lively 

 character, and has a more sprightly appearance 

 than any of the other kinds : also, like the rest of 

 the genus, it is driven, in severe winters, from the 

 northern to more southern climes. They breed, and 

 are common in Greenland, Hudson's Bay, Iceland, 

 the Zetland and Orkney Isles, &c. Like others of 

 the tribe, the female makes no nest, but lays two 

 eggs on the very edge of the shores of fresh water 

 lakes; they are rather larger than those of a hen, 

 but of a longer shape and of an olive brown, thinly 

 marked with dusky spots. They live in pairs with 

 inconceivable affection, run swiftly upon the water, 

 dive immediately, but are very awkward upon the 

 land, from which they rise with great difficulty. 

 Their flight, however, when once on the wing, is 

 both strong and swift : they rise to a great height, 

 making at intervals a disagreeable croaking, or a 

 loud howling cry. Their tenacity of life is very 

 great. 



