THE RED-NECKED GREBE 



THE RED-NECKED GREBE. 



Pociicipes griseigena (Boddaert). 

 Plate 78. 



Though never known to have nested in the British Islands, the Red-necked 

 Grebe visits our coasts in winter, chiefly those of the eastern side of Great Britain, 

 where it occasionally occurs in some numbers. 



It inhabits various parts of Europe, breeding as far north as Scandinavia and 

 Northern Russia, thence southwards to the Mediterranean countries and the shores 

 of the Black and Caspian Seas. In Asia it is found in Turkestan and Siberia, 

 while in North-eastern Asia and in America it is replaced by a larger race. 



The Red-necked Grebe builds a floating nest, composed of the dead stems and 

 the leaves of water-plants, and lays three to four eggs, resembling those of the 

 Great Crested Grebe but smaller, and in its habits the present species is very like 

 its larger congener. 



THE SLAVONIAN OR HORNED GREBE. 



Pociicipes auritus (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 78. 



This Grebe is chiefly known as a winter visitant, when it occurs not only on the 

 sea-coast but also on waters lying inland, and has lately been discovered breeding 

 on lochs in Northern Scotland. 



It inhabits the circumpolar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and in winter 

 migrates southwards to warmer regions in Europe, Asia, and America. 



The floating nest of this species, which, like those of its congeners, is made of 

 water-plants, contains from two to four and occasionally five eggs, in ground-colour 

 white, faintly tinged with blue, which, when time permits, are concealed from notice 

 by the parent bird when compelled to leave her treasures. 



Proctor, who found this species breeding in Iceland, observed that the mother 

 endeavoured to convey her young to safety by diving under water while she held 

 them under her wings. 



In food and habits this species does not differ from the other Grebes. 



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