RED-NECKED GREBE. 
11 
weeds ; it consists of small fish, insects, and their larvae, and, 
like the foregoing species, feathers from off its own breast 
and belly are always found in the stomach of specimens 
that are examined. The wings of the Red-necked Grebe, 
like those of several others of its family, are very small in 
proportion to the size of the bird, and these it does not use 
while in pursuit of food under water, as they would only retard 
its progress among the thick weeds; but its legs and feet are 
so formed that they can paddle with them at pleasure in all 
directions, as they act more like the fins of fishes than the 
usual legs and feet of water birds. 
Although the wings of the Red-necked Grebe are small, 
the bird gets on very well when it has fairly started and 
attained a sufficient height in the air; but it is unable to do 
more than proceed in a straight direction. 
The present species is not very shy until it has frequently 
been fired at, and will generally return to the place from 
whence it was driven away. The call-note uttered rather 
slowly sounds like the word cack, cack ! besides which these 
birds make a noise like young pigs and the neighing of horses 
at a distance, when they are at their gambols and pursuing 
each other late in the evening. 
The reproduction of the species is carried on in lakes, 
rivers, and ponds, Avhere the reeds and rushes are in 
abundance, and where the bottom of the water and sur¬ 
rounding shores are soft and muddy ; several pairs breed in 
the same locality, although each keeps his immediate spot 
inviolate to itself. Both male and female assist in con¬ 
structing the floating .fabric for the reception of the eggs, 
which is usually composed of decayed flags and rushes ; the 
nest itself is placed on the Avater, on the edge of a bed of 
rushes, or overhanging bushes, and only sufficiently fastened 
to either, to prevent its floating away. In the month of 
