638 



10 



The nest of this Grebe is a mere heap of aquatic herbage, when first constructed rising 

 several inches to a foot above the water, on which it floats ; but it soon becomes worked down 

 until it is but little above the surface. It is almost flat, only slightly depressed in the centre, 

 probably by the weight of the bird, and soon becomes sodden with wet. The eggs, three or four 

 in number, are at first dull white with a faint yellowish-green tinge, but soon become soiled and 

 discoloured. Both male and female work at the construction of the nest ; and both take a share 

 in incubation, the female, however, sitting longer than her mate. 



The eggs (which, as above stated, are dull white, the surface dull and chalky) measure from 

 2^ by 1^ inch to 2- 4 -o by lf§ inch in size. 



The specimens figured are an adult male in the foreground and an immature bird, rather 

 older than the one above described, in the background. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. JE. Dresser. 



a, d ad., b, $ ad. Lower Volga, April 1877 '{TV. Schliiter). c,juv. Leadenhall Market (H. E. D.). d, pull. 

 South Eussia (Moschler). e, ? ad. New Zealand. 



E Mus. Brit. Beg. 



a. Erzeroom, September 21st, 1839. b. Sea of Galilee (H. B. Tristram), c. Lake Ashangi, Abyssinia, May 

 2nd, 1868 {TV. T. Blanford). d. Antarctic Expedition, e. New Zealand. 



