The Great Crested Grebe is identical with the British bird, for it is found all through the Eastern Hemisphere.
This is a remarkable distribution, when we consider that the bird, by reason of its very small wings, is a poor flyer, and is almost helpless on land. Such a wide distribution of a creature possessing poor means of locomotion indicates that the animal must have existed for a long time, so that it has been able to gradually extend its range. Thus we conclude it is an ancient form.
ORDER VI.—PODICIPEDIDIFORMES.
F. 24. PODICIPEDIDAE (3), GREBES, 25 sp.—5(2)A., 8(2)O., 6(0)P., 5(1)E., 6(0)Nc., 11(7)Nl.
2
15
29 Black-throated Grebe (Little), Dabchick (e), White-bellied Diver (e), Podiceps novae-hollandiae, Java, N.G., A., N. Cal., =vt. Eur. Little Grebe.
Stat. c. lagoons 9.5