316 



EUROPEAN WATEROUZEL. 



was disturbed they fluttered out and dropt into the 

 water, and to our astonishment instantly vanished, 

 but in a little time made their appearance at some 

 distance down the stream, and it was with dif- 

 ficulty two out of five were taken, as they dived 

 on being approached. The young birds which 

 were taken shewed no inclination to dive in a tub 

 of water, but shewed great uneasiness by strug- 

 gling on the surface. They refused all food, and 

 soon perished." 



Their nest is very large, is formed of moss and 

 water plants externally, and lined with oak-leaves 

 within ; it resembles that of the Wren in shape, 

 but is not so deep, and has a sort of covering, and 

 is usually placed in a mossy bank over a rivulet : 

 the eggs are of a semitransparent white, and are 

 five or six in number 5 they weigh rather more 

 than a drachm. 



This is a retired, solitary bird, and is seldom 

 seen, except on the banks of rapid and rocky 

 rivers or streams in mountainous places, which it 

 frequents for the sake of its food, living princi- 

 pally on insects and small fish, which it procures 

 by walking direct into the water, where it walks 

 apparently without much exertion, although it is 

 evident, from its specific gravity being less than 

 that of water, that great exertion must be used : 

 while under water Colonel Montagu says he has 

 frequently observed it tumbling about in a very 

 extraordinary manner with its head downward, as 

 if pecking something, and at the same time making 

 great exertion with its legs and wings. It cannot 



