WATER BIRDS. 



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Little Grebe, or Dabchick. 



Crested Grebe, or Gaunt. The length of this bird is from twenty three inches to two feet. It inhabits 

 the northei it parts of both continents, and feeds on fish, marine worms, and in part on vegetables. 



Little Grebe, or Dabchick. This bird is the smallest of the species it belongs to, some being only ten 

 inches long. It is common to the colder regions of both continents, though as yet unknown within the 

 United States. It is found in lakes and sluggish rivers, which are well supplied with the shelter of reeds. 

 It rarely takes wing, but, on the least alarm, dives and remains under water with its bill alone above the sur- 

 face for respiration. Its eggs, five or six in number, somewhat less in size than a pigeon's, are deposited 

 in a coarsely made nest. The foot of the Grebe is not webbed like that of most water birds, but each toe 

 is separate and flattened, so as to serve as a separate paddle. 



Foot of the Male Grebe. 



(301) , 



Little Grebe, or Dabchick. 



