278 HANDBOOK OF BRITISH INLAND BIRDS 
the attention as something wild and new, when the 
ear that hears it first reaches the heart of the 
moorland solitudes. 
GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 
{Podicepes cristatus,) 
Tippet Grebe, Loon, Cargoose. — This hand- 
some water-bird has noticeably increased in num- 
bers during the last dozen years or so, owing to 
more efficient protection, and a pair or two are 
now to be seen in summer on many lakes and 
reservoirs over the greater part of the kingdom. 
It is found in the country throughout the year, 
but often leaves its breeding places in early 
autumn, and returns to them again about the end 
of March. It is generally seen swimming at some 
distance from the land, where it is a conspicuous 
and easily recognisable species, being considerably 
larger than the Coot, while its long neck and 
remarkable plumage about the head make it unlike 
any other bird which frequents such waters. It 
does not take very readily to the wing, but may 
sometimes be seen flying strongly at a height, in 
the manner of the Wild Duck. Like most diving- 
birds, it swims low upon the surface ; its upper 
parts are chiefly dark reddish-brown, and its 
throat, breast, and under parts silvery white. The 
