THE BIRDS OF DURHAM AND 
VICINITY. 
Order PYGOPODES. 
Family PODICIPID^. 
Colymbus holbcellii. Holbcell's Grebe. 2. 
Holboeirs, or the Red-necked Grebe, is rather common in October 
and November on Great Bay, where it may also be found in April 
and May. Along the coast it is likely to be found at any time during 
the winter. It feeds principally upon fish, but aquatic insects and 
vegetable matter are taken in varying quantities. It prefers the 
larger bodies of water, either the fresh or salt, to the smaller ponds 
and streams, differing from the Dabchick in that respect. It is not 
unusual to see several together during the fall migration. At that 
time old and young alike are in traveling dress, that is, in plain gray 
without the reddish brown neck characteristic of the nuptial dress, 
from which it receives one of its trivial names. 
Colymbus auritus. Horned Grebe. 3. 
The Horned Grebe is a fall and spring visitant at Great Bay, and a 
winter resident along the coast. It seems to prefer the sea, how- 
ever, to the more peaceful interior waters, at least, where the choice 
is so easy as it is here. Its food is similar to that of the Red-necked 
Grebe. It is less abundant here than either of the other grebes. In 
size it is similar to the Dabchick, but it can be instantly distinguished 
by its acute bill. 
Podilymbus podiceps. Pied-billed Grebe. 6 
The Dabchick, or Pied-billed Grebe, is the most common grebe 
we have, as well as the easiest to observe, on account of its habit of 
frequenting the smaller bodies of water. It is not generally found 
here in summer, but begins to appear by the first of September and 
remains till nearly or quite November. It feeds on aquatic insects and 
grass and other vegetable matter growing about water. Three stom- 
achs, from fall birds, which I have examined, contained vegetable 
fibers, remains of insects, and feathers from their own breasts. They 
