HABITS OF THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 168 



however the nest may be built during its initial stages, the hen 

 bird at one period sits on a mass of weed whilst the male 

 brings fresh weeds to it. Whilst swimming in the neighbour- 

 hood of the nest the male bird was constantly preening himself, 

 not only the neck and upper parts, but the whole ventral surface, 

 to do which he turned himself sideways in the water, thus pre- 

 senting to the view a broad expanse of silvery feathers. The 

 above took place, roughly, between 6.45 and 8.45 a.m. 



I return about 5.30 p.m., and find things much as before ; 

 one bird still sits on the nest, the other floats about rather than 

 swims in the neighbourhood, at just the same distance. His head, 

 now, is flung right back upon his back, at almost the middle of it, 

 and the white neck and upper part of the breast gleam like silver 

 in the sun. Occasionally he preens himself, when a greater 

 surface of silver becomes visible ; but a little of this is exposed, 

 as he moves, all along the water-line. After a little the sitting 

 bird turns round in or on the nest, so that her back is towards 

 me. In the morning she was sideways to me in two directions, 

 thus making three points of the compass, turned to which I have 

 seen her sitting. I now walk all round the lake, and, coming at 

 last to the nest — now of course empty — which is just off the 

 shore, I find that it has one egg in it, partially covered over with 

 the weeds, &c., of which the nest is composed. Assuming that 

 this egg was laid not later than the preceding night — which is 

 likely — then the pairing of the birds took place not only on the 

 nest, but whilst the female was actually sitting on the egg, which 

 to me is surprising. Both birds are now swimming about 

 together, and when just in front of each other one dives and 

 brings up some weed, which they both discuss in the friendliest 

 manner, pulling it about, and perhaps eating a little, though of 

 this I cannot be sure.* Shortly after this the male bird swims to 

 the nest, and, after swimming round about it a little, is evidently 

 preparing to leap up. This he suddenly does in a very lithe and 

 lissom manner, with neck bent yet extended, seeming to dive 



''■ The Great Crested Grebe is certainly a fish-eater, but, as its relative 

 the Little Grebe, or Dabchich, feeds largely on weeds, it may also do so to 

 some extent. The Dabchick may also feed upon small fish, but I have never 

 been able to see it with an unmistakable one in its bill. I have seen it dive 

 and bring up weeds, which it has then eaten. 



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