39 
Nesting . Breeding habits similar to the other Grebes, but often in communities so 
dense that a canoe can hardly pass between nests. It seems to require larger bodies of 
marsh and water in which to nest than the Horned Grebe, and often associates with nesting 
communities of Western Grebes. 
Distribution. Temperate parts of the Northern hemisphere. In Canada, on the 
prairies and in southern British Columbia, breeding almost wherever found. Strangely 
enough it does not occur east of Manitoba even as a straggler . 
S UBSPECIES. The Eared Grebe inhabits the Old as well as the New World. The 
American Eared Grebe is subspecifically separated from the European form under the 
name Colymbus nigricollis calif ornicus. 
6. Pied-billed Grebe, dab-chick, hell-diver, water-witch. Podilymbus podi- 
ceps. L, 13-50. Plate I B. 
Distinctions. The Pied-bill can be separated from all other Canadian Grebes by its 
relatively heavier and stouter bill with its spot and more strongly arched culmen; from 
the juvenile Horned or Eared Grebes in any plumage, also by its darker and dingier coloured 
foreneck, breast, and underpar ts. 
Field Marks. Size, high stubby bill, spot on bill, and in the spring adult, black throat 
patch. This Grebe is more often seen in flight than the others. 
Nesting. Along the marshy edges of ponds and lakes on stationary or floating plat- 
forms. 
Distribution. Across the continent. In western Canada north to Great Slave lake, 
breeding wherever found. 
This Grebe frequents clear, open water less than do its relatives, and 
usually confines itself to open leads and lagoons in tule and cat-tail marshes. 
In its chosen habitat it is a wonderful hider, evading observation with 
almost mysterious elusiveness. The names Hell-diver and Water-witch 
are descriptive of its powers in this direction. No sooner does its quick 
eye discern an intruder than it gradually sinks low in the water until 
in some cases only the bill projects, in which position it may quietly await the 
withdrawal of danger or it may paddle without a ripple to some marshy 
cover where the eye cannot detect it. Diving at the flash of the gun, it 
is often safe under water by the time the shot reaches the spot it recently 
occupied, but the use ol modern smokeless powder has put it at some 
disadvantage. Though seldom seen, and showing remarkable powers 
of vanishing amidst seemingly insufficient cover, its loud far-reaching 
voice is often heard and to many the origin of the sound is one of 
the mysteries that make the marsh so interesting. Its note may be rendered 
“Kuck-kuck-kuck-Gulup-gulup-gulup,” with a rising inflection in the 
series of “kucks,” which are repeated quickly, then a slight pause, and the 
“ gulups ” uttered with even tempo and with strong accent on the liquid 
letters. It can be heard under favourable conditions for a mile or more. 
SUBORDER— CEPPHI. LOONS AND AUKS 
FAMILY — GAVIIDAE. LOONS 
General Description. The Loons are large Divers, with straight, sharply pointed bills 
and with the feet fully webbed (Figure 2, page 23). In the adult state they are coloured 
in strikingly contrasting patterns, mostly black and white. 
Distinctions. Larger than Ducks and with shorter necks than Geese. These points 
and the sharp, pointed bill are diagnostic. Tails more evident than in the Grebes. 
Field Marks. Size, length of neck, and bill. In flight, the feet are trailed behind the 
tail. 
Nesting. On low shores, in the immediate vicinity of water where they can dive 
almost directly from the nest. 
