H AIM'D (JHEBE. 
‘i 
Though the Norfolk broads arc generally supposed to have been the stronghold of this Grebe in the 
British Islands, I have not observed any of these birds about the saltwater estuaries or rivers during 
winter, and but a single specimen was met Avith during the years I passed on the east coast at that season. 
Shortly before daybreak on the 9th of November, 1879, while steaming through the St. Nicholas gat direct 
for the open sea, a bird was distinctly heard to strike once or tAvice immediately aboA'e our heads against 
the iron railings on the bridge and fall apparently on deck. Though no signs of the unfortunate could 
be discovered at the time, an Eared Grebe AAas found in the small boat Avhen lowered to pick up some 
AA'ounded Skuas. The head, Avhich had evidently been tramjjled upon by one of the crcAV, appeared to have 
suffered from previous injuries; there was, hoAvever, no difficulty in ascertaining the species, as the AA'ings 
Avere still perfect. 
As the Avinter 2 >ffiningo of the Eared closely resembles that of the Sclavonian Grebe, the following 
remai’ks may be of service in assisting to identify specimens obtained at that season. The upper and loAver 
mandibles of the Eared Grebe turn slightly u^iAvards towards the point, Avhile the beak of the Sclavonian 
is perfectly straight ; the latter also exhibits at all seasons a line of fiesli from the eye toAA'arcls the gape, 
AAdiicb is not apparent in this species. As previously stated, the AA'hite 2 )atch on the Aving extends over 
the upper and lower joints in the Eared Grebe (A), though in the Sclavonian (B) it is merely visible on the 
upper; this distinction can be easily recognized in the Avoodcuts. 
A. 
B. 
M 
