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.