DABCHICK 
double, ear-like crest is dark brown, as is also the 
top of the head ; the cheeks are white, and the 
curious frill or tippet surrounding the throat is 
chestnut shading into black. In the female this 
characteristic plumage is less developed. The nest 
is generally put together in April ; like the Dab- 
chick's, it is simply a wet, pudding-like heap of 
green, trailing water-weeds, and floats upon the 
surface of the water, secured by standing reeds or 
submerged vegetation. Three to five eggs are 
laid, of the characteristic elongated shape of the 
Dabchick's, but considerably larger ; they are pure, 
chalky white when first laid, as in the case of the 
Dabchick, but soon become stained and brown, 
owing to the fermenting juices of the water- 
plants which compose the sodden nest. They are 
generally laid in the early part of May. 
DABCHICK. 
(Podicipes fluviatilis.) 
Little Grebe, Didapper, Ducker. — The Dab- 
chick, or Little Grebe, is common throughout the 
year on many of the larger lakes, pools and streams 
in most parts of the country, though it often 
leaves its breeding-places for larger sheets of water 
during the winter months. It is an extremely shy 
and nimble little bird, and the swiftness and readi- 
