2 



GREBE. 



IjrREBES are discriminated from the Divers by their 

 lobated feet, and from the Finfeet by the form of 

 their beak, and the absence of the tail. They were 

 included by Linnaeus among the former birds, but 

 have been detached by his followers, and formed into 

 a new order, (including also the Coots, and Phala- 

 ropes) by the appellation of Pinnatipedes, a division 

 which appears to be unnatural : I have therefore placed 

 them among the Natatores, and consider them as 

 belonging to the family Colymbida?, from which no- 

 thing but their divided toes detaches them : they form 

 an interesting link between the Divers and Auks, and 

 their manners are highly indicative of their proper 

 situation in nature, their delight being in swimming 

 and diving, in which they are assisted by their wings : 

 they fly very badly, and walk most awkwardly and with 

 difficulty; their attitude being nearly erect, and their 

 legs being placed at the very extremity of the abdomen^ 

 beyond the equilibrium of the body. They frequent 

 the fresh waters in preference to those of the sea : 

 their plumage is very soft, thick, and downy, with 

 a fine silken lustre. They feed on small fishes, coleop- 

 terous insects, reptiles, and vegetables. 



