218 COLYMBIDIN.E. 



that the contents of the stomach is usually found augmented 

 by a mass of their own feathers, perhaps render the family 

 the most interesting of all our aquatic birds. 



The crested grebe is not an uncommon species in Ireland, 

 and perhaps occurs in greater numbers than in either of the 

 sister kingdoms, in consequence of the greater number and 

 extent of lakes, marshy grounds, and other suitable localities 

 adapted to its habits. Seldom observed or captured in the 

 vicinity of the shore, it frequents the neighbourhood of large 

 rivers, lakes, and sometimes artificial waters. 



Six specimens of the tippet grebe, obtained in various loca- 

 lities in the island, and in our possession, exhibit the different 

 changes from the immature plumage of the young to the 

 richly crested birds of the breeding season. One of those 

 obtained in February, 1848, on a river in Kildare, exhibited 

 so curious a change of plumage in the entire breast, being 

 spotted with black, and the tertials with round spots of a 

 similar colour, that we forwarded it (through the kindness of 

 Dr. Frere of London) to W. Yarrell, Esq., for his critical 

 examination, the purport of which, expressed in a letter to 

 us, was, that it was an immature bird in a very unusual stage 

 of plumage. 



In consequence of the backward position of the feet, these 

 birds exhibit an exceedingly awkward motion when on land, 

 walking forward with difficulty for a few feet, and then sud- 

 denly squatting down, although several living ornithologists 

 have denied the grebes the power of walking, and only allow 

 them the capability of shuffling along like a seal. 



We have observed, on several occasions, both the crested 

 and little grebes walk for a short distance equally as well, and 

 more upright, than many other natatorial birds. However, 

 it is only on the water the peculiar powers of this species are 

 brought into action. Quick and vigilant in all its motions, 

 it is almost an impossibility to procure a specimen ; as the 

 least noise causes it to dive and re -appear at an almost incre- 

 dible distance, when the head is slightly exposed over the 

 water. As an instance of the difficulty, Air. Selby mentions 

 once giving chase to a crested grebe on one of the small lakes 

 near Rotterdam, which occasioned an hour and a half's severe 

 exertion to approach within range of gunshot, although the 

 boat had the assistance of a sail with a fair wind, and was 

 manned with able and accustomed rowers. Of the majority 

 of the specimens we have examined, the greater part were 

 obtained by wounds in the head and neck. 



The locality chosen for nidifying by the crested grebe is . 



