26 



BIRDS OF ONTARIO. 



Holbcell's has the habit peculiar to other members of the Grebe 

 family of covering its eggs with vegetable matter when it has occa- 

 sion to be away from the nest, so that incubation goes on during the 

 absence of the mother-bird. 



The migrations of the species extend across the Province, for it is 

 reported as a visitor in spring and fall at C)ttawa, Hamilton, London 

 and the Detroit River. The visits are always short, and the manners 

 ■of the birds while here are shy and retiring. 



For man}' years the j'oung of this species was described as the 

 Crested Grebe, owing to the close resemblance it bears to the British 

 bird of that name. Dr. Brewer was the first to point out the 

 ■error, which is now corrected in all modern works on American 

 Or'nithology. 



/ / 





i i^ 



SuBGE.ws DYTES Kaup. 

 COLYMBU.S AURITUS Lixx. 



2. Horned Grebe. (3) 



Tarsus about equal to the middle toe without its cla-VN- ; bill much shorter 

 than the head, little more than half the tarsus, compre-i^bd, higher than wide at 

 the nostrils, rather obtuse ; crests and ruffs highlj- developed. Small, length 

 about 14; extent, 24; wing, 6 or less; bill, about J; tarsus, 1^. AdvJ.t: — 

 Above, dark brownr, the feathers paler edged ; below, silvery-white, the sides 

 mixed dusky and reddish ; most of the secondaries white : fore neck and upper 



