718 GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 
The nest is usually a mass of wet aquatic plants floating on the 
surface of the water ; the eggs, which are sometimes as many as 5 in 
number, are usually laid in April and May and are of a chalky- 
white (with a green lining-membrane) when fresh, but they soon 
become ochreous-brown from contact with the decomposing vegetable 
matter: measurements 2°2 by 1°5 in. On leaving her nest, the female 
covers them with weeds if time allows. Both parents are very careful 
of their young, which repose upon the backs of the old birds just 
beyond the insertion of the wings. The food consists of young eels 
and other small fish, crustaceans &c. ; while tadpoles and frogs are 
also eaten ; and feathers are frequently swallowed and brought up in 
castings, together with fish-bones and other indigestible substances. 
This bird may often be seen flying at a considerable height, like a wild 
duck. Its call-note is a harsh croak ; the alarm-note being ef, hee. 
The adult male in March has the crown and crest dark brown ; 
stripe over the eye white ; cheeks white; tippet chestnut, blackish at 
the margin ; upper-parts dark brown ; carpals and secondaries white, 
and very conspicuous in flight ; under-parts silver-white ; bill ruddy ; 
iris crimson ; legs and feet olive ; length 21 in., wing 7°5 in. Females 
are rather smaller, and have the tippet and crest less developed ; 
and after the autumn moult these ornaments are absent for a time 
in both sexes. Little crest or chestnut-colour is shown by the 
young until the second year. The curiously striped nestling is 
figured below. 
