I0 5


ordinary manner of birds, with an awkwardness which reminded

me at the time of a diving duck, only in this case it was even

more marked, as might be expected. I have often observed this

species in a wild state, and have once seen it half run, half fly,

over a narrow strip of grassy ground between two ponds ; other¬

wise I never saw it ashore when wild. But to argue from this

that it cannot walk would be like denying the cat the power of

swimming because that beast is proverbially averse from water.


Podiceps cilbipennis (Sharpe). The Indian Dabchick.


I have had many examples ol this species of various ages,

and have consequent^ had ample opportunities of observing it.

It frequently remains standing up for some time, and walks and

runs about quite actively, and can even jump a little, helping

itself frequently, when running, with its wings. Some specimens

are less ready and able to walk than others, and more inclined to

shove themselves along when squatting ; but I attribute this to

fatigue, or to flurry caused by fright. Any bird which is a

clumsy walker normally will naturally blunder in its gait when

hurried.


In the early part of December 1895, I got from the Bazaar

a young specimen of this bird which I kept for some time in a

cage, letting it out to swim and feed in any convenient receptacle

for water, from an earthenware pot to a large masonry tank. It

soon became remarkably tame, and before I had had it a week

was inclined to follow me about, and seemed restless when

confined and unable to get to me. I have let it out in my room

and have had it come and squat down by my feet. In fact, when a

photograph (b) was taken, I could not get the bird to stand still

unless my hand was near. At the same time it exhibited much

fear of natives, diving in fright when they approached, when it

would let me lift it out of the water in my hand. In addition to

intelligence, it showed much courage, on two occasions attacking

a dog, and once a Scissor-billed Tern, which easily beat it off:

the dog of course was not allowed the chance of retaliating.

Its power of resisting injury was also remarkable; on three

occasions (twice within a few minutes) it fell at least a yard on

to a stone or concrete floor, and was not hurt, though it did not

attempt to save itself with its wings.


The quills on these were not quite grown when I got it,

and the head was likewise covered with variegated down.


(6) This was not clear enough for reproduction,—most unfortunately, as it showed

the bird in its normal standing position; i.e., on its toes like an ordinary bird; though I

have seen it also in the plantigrade posture.—F.F.



