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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
et ER POO 
DEPARTMENT BULLETIN No. 1196 
Washington, D. C. January, 1924 
FOOD AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS OF NORTE AMERICAN GREBES. 
By ALEXANDER WETMORE, Assistant Biologist, Division of Biological Investiga- 
tions, Bureau of Biological Survey. 
CONTENTS. 
. Page. , Page 
END DS 7 (es i, poVestern: erebe fo eo 2 eee : 5 
Distribution and habits of grebes_ 1, Helboell  grebe 2242 z= acter; eee 7 
Breseraprien se = vn EES 2 Horned grebe_______ ey Ss) 2 10 
Nests, eggs, and <A banal oa eee 20). Warned 2rebels 23) So) a eee 15 
Economic relations_____ i Se 3 | Mexicam prebe.. 2-2. ==% Bee 18 
| LOTTE RS io a re ns 4, .\"Pied-billed’ (grebe’=2_ 4. = "ee ee 19 
4 Erercered Status = = 42-2. ts = 4 | 
INTRODUCTION. 
—_— 
_ A knowledge of the feeding habits and general economic status of 
| the species of grebes inhabiting the different sections of the United 
States is of importance in connection with the relations of these birds 
to the supply of food fishes. Living in ponds, lakes, and water- 
courses, grebes have at times been suspected of being seriously detri- 
mental to the continuance of certain valuable fishes. That this 
| suspicion is without actual foundation in fact has been ascertained 
in the investigations reported upon in this bulletin. 
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITS OF GREBES. 
Six species of grebes are found in North America north of the 
Isthmus of Panama, all of them ranging within the limits of the 
United States. These birds breed in the interior, but during their 
migrations are found on salt water along our coasts as well as on 
open ponds and streams throughout the country. Their almost 
supernatural powers of diving to escape a shot are common knowl- 
edge among hunters, from the boy armed with a small-bore rifle to 
fe 
1 Prepared by the author when a member of the present Division of Food Habits Re- 
search. 
Note.—This bulletin presents a detailed study of the food and feeding habits of the 
six species of grebes that occur in the United States. It will serve as an index to the 
economic status of these birds, and will be useful to naturalists, sportsmen, conservation- 
ists, and others interested in waterfowl. 
60230—23——-1 
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