THE GREBES.
The Grebes have the head small, the neck somewhat elongated, the legs attached to the abdomen, the tail rudimentary, the tarsi compressed, the anterior toes united at their base by a membrane. These Birds live on the sea, but they inhabit fresh water by preference, feeding on small Fishes, Worms, Molluscs, Insects, and the products of aquatic vegetation. While they dive and swim admirably, they also fly with vigorous wing; but they rarely resort to this unless alarmed or when migrating.
The nest of the Grebe is usually placed in a tuft of rushes on the edge of the water. It is composed of large grassy plants roughly interlaced, and the interior is lined with soft broken grasses delicately arranged. The eggs vary from three to seven. On shore they cannot walk well, but creep along in an awkward manner. They are covered with fine, warm down, so close and lustrous that muffs are made from their breast.
Grebes are inhabitants of the old and new Continents. Among the European species may be noticed the Crested Grebe, about the size of a Duck, ornamented with a double black crest; the Horned Grebe, provided with two long tufts of feathers, in the form of a horn; and the Eared Grebe, distinguished by its beak, the base of which is depressed, while the point is raised upwards.
The Crested Grebe is the best known in the United States. These have been found in limited numbers around the Great Lakes and as far south as Mexico.
DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS.
This family of Swimming Birds are perhaps better known all over the world than any other large group of Birds. It is unnecessary to describe the characteristics to make us acquainted with the family, but it may be well to mention some of the principal types.
DUCKS.
The Ducks are of two sorts, either wild or tame. The Wild Ducks comprise two groups—the Sea Ducks, which feed mostly in salt waters, dive much in feeding, and have a very broad bill; and the Pond Ducks, which have a straight and narrow bill; these generally frequent the fresh water, but pass much of their time on land, feeding on aquatic plants, Insects, Worms and sometimes Fish.
The first division comprises the Shieldrake, Muscovy Duck, Gadwall, Shoveller, Pintail, Widgeon, Bimaculated Duck, Garganey and Teal. The second division includes the Red-crested Duck, Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck, and Golden Eye; while between the two divisions are placed (as possessing some of the characteristics of each) the Eider Duck, King Duck, Velvet Duck and Scoter.