Family PODICIPEDIDiE. 



THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 



Podicipes cristattis (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 78. 



This beautiful species, the largest of our Grebes, is now not uncommon on many 

 of the large reedy lakes and ponds in the British Islands, and appears to be increas- 

 ing in numbers and extending its breeding range in various directions. According 

 to the B.O.U. List of British Birds (2nd ed. 19 15), it nested as far north as Moray- 

 shire in 1913. In winter it is often found on the coast and estuaries. 



It is resident in Central and Southern Europe, and also inhabits Africa, Asia, 

 Australia, and New Zealand. 



The nest of the Great Crested Grebe is a wet and more or less floating mass of 

 sedges and other water plants on the outskirts of beds of reed or bulrush, and on 

 this platform the four or five eggs are laid, which at first have a ground-colour of 

 chalky white, with an underlying tinge of green, but afterwards become stained to 

 a yellowish-brown or buff. On leaving the nest, the parent bird generally covers 

 the eggs with any loose material close at hand. 



The food consists of various water insects, fish, reptiles, etc., and, according to 

 Macgillivray, " along with remains of these are usually found in its stomach 

 numerous large curved feathers, which it probably picks up as they float on the 

 water, and which are, no doubt, intended to facilitate digestion." If pursued on the 

 water, the bird generally attempts to escape by swimming and diving, although it 

 can fly swiftly and at some height. 



In the breeding season it utters a rather harsh cry. The female is smaller, and 

 has the occipital tufts and ruff less pronounced than those of the male, while in 

 winter both sexes lose these nuptial decorations. 



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