202 
THE HORNED GREBE. 
pond. I am thus particular because of the near relation of this bird to the 
Podiceps auritus of Latham, with which it may be confounded by a not 
over-careful observer, as may the eggs too, those of the latter species being 
precisely of the same length, but fully an eighth of an inch narrower, which 
of course gives them a more elongated appearance. I have observed the 
same differences in the eggs of these two species in Europe. I could not 
ascertain if both the parent birds inoubate ; but as I saw two pairs on the 
pond, I am inclined to think that they do. The- nets were not fastened to 
the weeds around them, nor do-I conceive it probable that they could be 
floated, as various writers assert they are at times. 
I have not seen the young of this species when small ; but from the 
knowledge I have of those of other Grebes, I feel pretty certain that the 
notions eutertained of their being carried either on the back or under the 
wings of their parents in cases of danger must be erroneous, as Grebes in 
all^such cases dive or fly at once, when it would be impossible for the old 
and young to keep thus attached to each other. 
I have observed in the stomachs of almost all that I have examined, a 
quantity of hair-like substances rolled together like the pellets of Owls, but 
have not ascertained whether or not these masses are disgorged. They 
certainly cannot pass through the intestines. But unless birds of this kind 
are kept in an aviary and watched, this matter must remain unknown. The 
food of this species, while on saltwater, is composed of shrimps, small fishes, 
and minute Crustacea. While on fresh-water, they procure insects, leeches, 
small frogs, tadpoles, and aquatic lizards ; they also pick up the seeds of 
grasses, and I have found as many in the stomach of an individual as would 
fill the shell of one of its eggs. Their flight is performed by regular short 
flappings, executed with great quickness. 
I have represented an adult male in full spring plumage, and a young bird 
shot in December. The males are rather larger than the females, which are 
similar in colour, but rarely have the head so well feathered during the 
breeding season. 
Podiceps cornutus, Bonap. Syn. p., 417. 
Podiceps cornutus, Horned Grebe , Swains, and Rich. F. Bor. Amer., vol. ii. p. 411. 
Horned Grebe, or Dobchick, Nutt. Man., vol. ii. p. 254. 
Horned Grebe, Podiceps cornutus , Aud. Orn. Biog., vol. iii. p. 429 ; vol. v. p. 623. 
Male, 14#, 25£. 
Very common during autumn on tha Ohio, Missouri, Mississippi, and all 
their tributaries, as well as in all the Atlantic Districts, to Texas. Breeds 
from the Great Lakes to the Fur Countries. Migratory. 
