204 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



cristatus, Fig. 8r), about the size of a duck, ornamented with a 

 double black crest ; the Horned Grebe (P. comutus), provided with 

 two long tufts of feathers, in form somewhat resembling a horn ; the 

 Eared Grebe (P. auritus), distinguished by its beak, the base of 

 which is depressed, while the point is raised upwards. Among the 

 American species may be mentioned P. carolinensis and P. rubri- 

 collis, killed at the Great Slave Lake, associated with P. cristatus and 

 P. comutus. P. chilensis and P. americanus are natives of, the 

 warmer parts of America, of St. Thomas, St. Domingo, and the 

 Philippines. 



Fig. 81. — The Crested Grebe. 



The Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus). 



As a representative of the family the Crested Grebe had better be 

 taken. It is found along our coasts and in their estuaries, in limited 

 numbers; but in the splendid lakes of the North American fur 

 countries, according to Dr. Richardson, this species is very abundant. 

 Mr. Audubon says that it returns to the United States from its 

 northern wanderings about the beginning of September, and proceeds 

 south as far as Mexico, a few stragglers only remaining on the lower 

 part of the Ohio, Mississippi, and the neighbouring lakes. " They 

 pass swiftly through the air," says this enthusiastic naturalist, " at the 

 height of about a hundred yards, in flocks of from seven and eight 

 to fifty or more, proceeding in a loose body, and propelling them- 

 selves by continual flappings, their necks and feet stretched out to 



