6 
COLYMBID.K. 
the spring of the year, and its disappearance in the autumn 
are always sudden. 
Some ornithologists are of opinion that the present species, 
being unable to fly for any distance, perform the greater 
part of their periodical journeys by water, but as this 
bird is never found on the open sea, nor on large rivers 
so employed, there is no ground for supposing such to be 
the case; and it is a well-known fact that this Grebe 
practises flying after the summer months, and is as well 
able to fly high in the air as many Ducks. 
The localities most frequented by this species, are, as 
before mentioned, lakes, ponds, rivers, and inlets of the 
sea, provided the reedy vegetation is sufficiently abundant 
to suit its hiding habits ; most of this bird’s time is 
passed on the watery element; its times of feeding are 
chiefly morning and night, and its manner of procuring 
its food is by diving. 
The Great Crested Grebe being particularly shy, is rarely 
observed to alight on a piece of water of small dimensions, 
where it cannot keep beyond the reach of a gun-shot 
from the shore ; and on the slightest approach of danger, 
wdien this Grebe happens to be close in shore, it dives 
and swims below the surface of the water with velocity 
and ease. 
During the middle of the day, this Grebe roosts on 
the water, and floats about quietly with its head on its 
back, and its legs lying flat on the surface of the water, 
in order to be prepared for escaping if need requires 
it. 
When the bird is at ease, it raises the crest about its 
head and has a beautiful appearance, but when it is startled, 
these feathers are immediately lowered and show but little. 
Walking or running upon the ground are movements not 
