PIED-BILLED GREBE. 
387 
tries, however, for the North in the month of April. Most of 
the birds seen in this vicinity are young or unadult ; they feed 
principally on fish and aquatic insects such as large Nepas 
and other kinds. They often swim about without appearing 
to take any alarm from the peaceful spectator, but in the 
next moment dive and swim under water for such a length of 
time as to appear for several minutes entirely invisible ; and 
at such times these Water Witches, as they are deservedly 
called, are often moving about entirely submerged to the bill, 
which is the only part elevated above the water ; and in the 
covert of the surrounding aquatic herbage this small project- 
ing point is not only easily overlooked, but with difficulty 
discovered. Like Ducks, they are also somewhat nocturnal in 
their habits, and may be perceived after sunset in the dusky 
twilight actively engaged, and swimming about the ponds with 
great activity. While here they are not heard to utter any 
note, and their breeding-places are wholly unknown. The 
young are often eaten, and are generally tender and well 
flavored. 
The Dabcliick is more abundant near the Atlantic than any 
other of this group. It breeds from the Middle States to the lower 
fur countries. 
Since Nuttall’s day we have learned something more of the 
breeding habits of this species, and modern observers are apt to 
express surprise that the bird should have escaped the notice of 
earlier naturalists. In habits the Dabcliick does not differ materi- 
ally from other Grebes. 
