278 NATATORES. 



THE LITTLE GREBE (Podiceps minor). 



A pair of little grebes with their nest and eggs are repre- 

 sented on the frontispiece to this volume. They are birds 

 which are, perhaps, more generally distributed than any of 

 the others, though like them they inhabit the seclusion of 

 lakes and pools, in a quiet and unobtrusive manner. 



The number of local names which are given to this species, 

 such as " dab-chick," " ducker," and a variety of others, is 

 sufficient to show how generally it is distributed. It is not 

 so common in those upland parts of the country where the 

 margins of the waters are in general destitute of cover ; but 

 it is to be met with in all the rivers, lakes, streams, and large 

 pools, in the richer parts. It is not, however, very generally 

 seen, and when seen it instantly dives and disappears, as it 

 makes under water for the cover of the reeds and other tall 

 aquatic plants, where it hides itself, not in the herbage, but 

 immersed in the water, and with the bill only above the 

 surface for respiration. It is a handsome little bird, and 

 very quick in its motions under the water, perhaps more so 

 than any other bird. It is gentle in its disposition, and may 

 be tamed and kept in a garden pond, in which it dives and 

 plays about, heedless of the number of spectators that may 

 be around it. It is very voracious, and consumes a vast 

 number of fry and small fishes, as well as of aquatic insects ; 

 and failing these, it eats the seeds of aquatic plants. 



The length of the little grebe is about ten inches, the 

 stretch of the wings about sixteen, and the weight varying 

 from five to seven ounces. The nest is constructed like those of 

 the other species, of a great number of aquatic leaves, forming 

 a bunch or little hillock on or near the surface of the water, 

 but concealed in the cover of the reeds unless these are 

 removed by accident. Indeed, the nest is as often placed on 

 a small " hummock " in the herbage, as on the support of the 



