820 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



inner toe, the nails are flat and broad. The form of the body 

 is broad and depressed, and their plumage exceedingly thick, close, 

 and glossy. The bill is long, straight, compressed, and pointed. 



Fam. ColymbidtE, Loons or Divers. 



The large Imbers or Divers have the feet completely webbed, 

 and, unlike the Grebes, all of them frequent seas in preference to 

 fresh water. They have moderate pointed wings, and fly well, but 

 from the position of the feet, and the tibia being, as it were, x 

 imbedded in the integuments, they are unable to walk ; though 

 they push themselves forward, trailing on their belly. They have 

 a short tail, and by means of this and the feet, they are enabled to 

 stand upright. They are said to utter dismal howlings. 



The sternum is broad with one notch, and the furcula is anchy- 

 losed to it. There is a long pointed process at the upper part of the 

 tibia in front, which affords an extensive surface of attachment to 

 the extensor muscles used in diving. They form their nest among 

 herbage on the sea beach, and usually lay only two eggs, green 

 with purplish or brown spots. They swim and dive with amazing 

 rapidity. They are almost peculiar to the Northern hemisphere. 

 One has been observed in Northern China by Mr. Swinhoe. 



The great Northern Diver, Colymbus glacialis, an occasional 

 winter visitor to England, is one of the best known ; and there are 

 only three or four species recorded. 



Fam. Podicipidje, Grebes. 



Feet lobed ; tail almost wanting. 



The Grebes are a small family of fin-footed birds, frequenting 

 ponds, lakes, and rivers occasionally, diving with rapidity, and 

 feeding on various insects, Crustacea, young fish, &c. From the 

 structure of their feet, they were formerly classed with the Coots, 

 but they differ in every other point, their tibia being enclosed 

 within the integuments, whence they are unable to walk, but swim 

 remarkably well, using their wings under water as well as their feet. 

 They form large nests of rushes and sedges on the borders of 

 lakes, and lay several eggs. Their plumage is dense and soft, 

 the under parts beautifully silky ; and the head is often adorned 



