PLATE IV*. 



PODICEPS A rSTJvALIS (Gould). 



DIVE I!. Genus: Podiceps. 



rilHIS variety frequents the same localities, and is very similar in its habits to the other two Australian 

 representatives of the family already described. It is often called the "Australian Tippet Grebe," 

 and is closely allied to the European Great Crested Grebe, of the same genus. As the name indicates, 

 the Podiceps Australis is an accomplished diver, and its powers of swimming not only entirely suffice for 

 the calm waters of the lagoons where it is usually found, but in the more open reaches of the rivers, 

 near the sea, it breasts strong currents and high winds with great ease. Its nest is constructed in the 

 same peculiar manner as those of the Black-throated Grebe and Hoary-headed Grebe, being made so as to 

 float, with the top on a level with the surface of the water. 



Like the crest of the Podiceps Nestor, the pretty frill of the Diver is only acquired during the 

 breeding season ; for the remainder of the year the face is the same dull white colour as the neck. 



The colour and plumage of the sexes are alike, the female being somewhat smaller in size. 



The plumes rising from the forehead are black ; frill surrounding head and throat, black at the 

 outer edge, white round the eyes, and rich chestnut in the centre. Wings and upper surface slaty -brown, 

 scapularies and secondaries white. Throat, chest, and abdomen white, bordered with wavy alternate marks 

 of grey and chestnut. Irides red : bill long, sharp and brown : outer surfaces of tarsi ana 1 toes green ; inner 

 surfaces yellow. 



Length, 24 inches; bill. 2| inches; Ming. 7\ inches; tarsi, 2| inches. 

 Habitats ; Tasmania and southern portions oi Australia. 



