The Grebes. 
225 
The Grebes .— order Podicipedidi formes. 
These birds are closely related to the Divers, but can be distinguished from them 
by their lobed toes, and by the apparent absence of a tail, which is represented by a 
little tuft of feathers scarcely to be dissociated from the feathers of the rump. 
THE 
GREAT CRESTED 
GREBE. 
(. Lophatliyia 
cristata.) 
In this species and 
the succeeding one the 
ornamental tippets are 
developed in both sexes 
during the breeding-sea- 
son, and the bill is long 
and pointed, exceeding the length of the 
inner toe and claw. It is the largest of the 
British Grebes (wing y2 inches), and has 
a red bill and a white face. In winter 
plumage, when the tippets have been cast 
and the head is like the back, the present 
species may be recognised by its white lores 
and eyebrow. 
This species is found nesting in many parts of England and as far north as the 
Clyde, as well as in several counties of Ireland. It occurs nearly everywhere in the 
15 
The Great Crested Grebe. 
