BRITISH BIRDS 



THE BLACK-NECKED OR EARED GREBE. 



Podicipcs nigricollis, C. L. Brehm. 

 Plate 78. 



The Black-necked Grebe, apart from its size and colour, differs from the other 

 species in the shape of its bill, which has a slight upward curve. Though usually 

 only known as a winter visitant, this Grebe now breeds annually in Wales, and no 

 doubt has done so in other parts of Great Britain. 



It inhabits the countries of Central and Southern Europe, as well as North 

 Africa, and, according to Dresser, has bred as far north as Denmark, while east- 

 wards it ranges across Asia to Japan and China, and in winter migrates southwards 

 to Cape Colony and India. 



It breeds on fresh-water lakes, and lays four or five eggs, which do not differ 

 from those of the Slavonian Grebe. 



In winter the golden ear-tufts are absent, and the chin and throat become white. 



THE LITTLE GREBE. 



Podicipes fiuviatilis (Tunstall). 

 Plate 78. 



The Little Grebe or Dabchick is a more or less common species on many of our 

 still-flowing rivers, ponds, and other waters throughout the year, but appears to be 

 less plentiful in the north of Scotland and its islands than in other parts of Britain, 

 whilst in winter it often visits the tidal waters on the coast. It is widely distributed 

 over Europe from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean countries, and through Central 

 Asia as far as Japan. 



The nest, consisting of a mass of water-weeds, contains from three to six eggs, 

 which when newly laid are nearly white, and afterwards become stained to a dull 

 buff or brown from contact with the wet material placed over them by the bird 

 whenever she has occasion to leave the nest. 



The tiny nestlings are sometimes removed from danger by the mother, who 

 takes them under her wings. 



The food consists of water-insects, tadpoles, and small fishes, obtained by 

 diving, and when engaged in feeding the bird goes under very suddenly without 

 any disturbance of the water, and reappears on the surface quite as unexpectedly. 



The usual cry is a single rather plaintive note. 



88 



