344 KEY AND DESCRIPTION 



In winter, this bird in all stages has the square white spots on 

 the back. This separates it from the last species, and its 

 much smaller size distinguishes it from the first. It derives 

 its name from a triangular, chestnut spot on the neck. 



All our loons are wild, wary birds. The Pacific loons of the 

 western coast are " tamer than any other water fowl I have 

 seen. . . . They constantly swam around the vessels . . . and 

 all their motions, both on and under the clear water, could be 

 studied to as much advantage as if the birds had been placed in 

 artificial tanks for the purpose. Now two or three would ride 

 lightly over the surface with neck gracefully curved, propelled 

 with idle strokes of their broad paddles . . . while their flash- 

 ing eyes, first directed upward, then peering into the depths 

 below, sought for some attractive morsel. In an instant, with 

 a peculiar motion impossible to describe, they would disappear 

 beneath the surface, and shoot with marvelous swiftness 

 through the limpid element, transfix on their arrow-like bill an 

 unlucky fish, and lightly rise to the surface again." (Dr. Coues.) 



Length, 24-27 ; wing, 10-11| ; tarsus, 2| ; oulmen, 2-2J. Northern 

 hemisphere ; breeding from Manitoba and New Brmiswicli northward, 

 and wintering south to South Carolina. 



FAMILY LXIV. GREBES (PODIClPID^) 



A family (30 species) of fresh- and salt-water diving birds 

 of general distribution throughout the world ; five species are 

 found in the region covered by this book, and only six in 

 North America. The grebes are long-necked divers with 

 straight, slender bills, and with the feathers of the under parts 

 of a peculiar satiny texture. The three front toes have lobed 

 membranes along their sides. The heads in many species are 

 furnished, in the breeding season, with brightly colored crests, 

 ruffs, etc. These are lost after the nesting is over, thus pro- 

 ducing seasonal differences so great as to make the birds 

 appear as separate species. These head appendages, and their 

 erect position, give the birds a most grotesque appearance. 



