GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 



359 



makes use of its wings except on migration ; neither 

 does it walk with any ease, but in the art of diving and 

 swimming under water it is perfect. It feeds upon 

 aquatic insects and small fish, which it obtains by 

 diving. 



The nest is built towards the end of April among 

 the reeds, and is composed of a mass of half-rotten 

 reeds and water weeds, slightly raised above the 

 surface. The nest is naturally in a sodden condition, 



GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 



and one at least of the eggs in a clutch is generally 

 found addled. The eggs are three or four in number, 

 and are of a chalky-white colour, but soon however 

 become stained by the decaying matter which surrounds 

 them. Should the bird, after she has commenced to 

 sit, have occasion to leave the nest, she invariably 

 covers over the eggs with rushes or weeds to keep 

 them from cold. 



If the female is disturbed, according to Hewitson 



