THE HORNED GREBE. 319 



pond. I am thus particular because of the near relation of this bird to the 

 Podiceps auritus of Latham, with which it may be confounded by a not 

 over-careful observer, as may the eggs too, those of the latter species being 

 precisely of the same length, but fully an eighth of an inch narrower, which 

 of course gives them a more elongated appearance. I have observed the 

 same differences in the eggs of these two species in Europe. I could not 

 ascertain if both the parent birds incubate; but as I saw two pairs on the 

 pond, I am inclined to think that they do. The nests were not fastened to 

 the weeds around them, nor do I conceive it probable that they could be 

 floated, as various writers assert they are at times. 



I have not seen the young of this species when small; but from the 

 knowledge I have of those of other Grebes, I feel pretty certain that the 

 notions entertained of their being carried either on the back or under the 

 wings of their parents in cases of danger must be erroneous, as Grebes in all 

 such cases dive or fly at once, when it. would be impossible for the old and 

 young to keep thus attached to each other. 



I have observed in the stomachs of almost all that I have examined, a 

 quantity of hair-like substances rolled together like the pellets of Owls, but 

 have not ascertained whether or not these masses are disgorged. They 

 certainly cannot pass through the intestines. But unless birds of this kind 

 are kept in an aviary and watched, this matter must remain unknown. The 

 food of this species, while on salt-water, is composed of shrimps, small fishes, 

 and minute Crustacea. While on fresh-water, they procure insects, leeches, 

 small frogs, tadpoles, and aquatic lizards; they also pick up the seeds of 

 grasses, and I have found as many in the stomach of an individual as would 

 fill the shell of one of its eggs. Their flight is performed by regular short 

 flappings, executed with great quickness. 



I have represented an adult male in full spring plumage, and a young bird 

 shot in December. The males are rather larger than the females, which are 

 similar in colour, but rarely have the head so well feathered during the 

 breeding season. 



Podiceps cornotus, Bonap. Syn., p. 417. 



Podiceps cornotus, Horned Grebe, Swains, and Rich. F. Bor. Amer., vol. ii. p. 411. 



Horned Grebe, or Dobchick, Nutt. Man., vol. ii. p. 254. 



Horned Grebe, Podiceps cornutus, Aud. Orn. Biog., vol. iii. p. 429; vol. v. p. 623. 



Male, 14f, 251 



Very common during autumn on the Ohio, Missouri, Mississippi, and all 

 their tributaries, as well as in all the Atlantic Districts, to Texas. Breeds 

 from the Great Lakes to the Fur Countries. Migratory. 



