NORTH AMERICAN GREBES. 5 
lakes in the West, projects which have reduced the areas where these 
birds may find suitable breeding grounds. As grebes are not con- 
sidered game and are thus protected by Federal law at all seasons, 
they should maintain their present numbers. | 
Although the meat of the grebe is edible if properly prepared, it 
is relatively small in quantity and is not of the best quality. The 
bulk of it is found on the strong thighs and legs, where in adult 
birds the muscles are quite likely to be tough and stringy. When 
cooked, the flesh is very dark and at times is unpleasant in taste and 
odor, so that it does not meet with general favor. 
WESTERN GREBE. 
(Aechmophorus occidentalis.) 
The western grebe, the largest member of its family found in North 
American waters, ranges in the western portion of the continent, 
B1332M 
Fic. 1.—Western grebe. 
where it breeds from British Columbia and Manitoba south to north- 
ern California, Utah, and North Dakota. During the winter season a 
part of these birds remain in the North wherever there is sufficient 
open water for their needs, but others at this time extend their range 
as far south as the State of Jalisco in central Mexico. Western 
grebes are found on the larger rivers and lakes, and in the summer 
season frequent the great marshy, tule-grown lakes common through- 
out their breeding range. In winter they often occur on the ocean 
or on salt-water lagoons and bays. 
The large body, long slender neck, and elongate, sharp-pointed 
bill serve to distinguish these grebes from any of the other diving 
_ birds found in company with them. (See fig. 1.) To these char- 
_ acters may be added a dark gray or blackish coloration above and 
pure snowy white beneath, with a brilliant red eye, which may be 
_ noted upon close approach. 
