File:The birds of Europe (1837) (14750681485).jpg

Identifier: birdsEuropeVGoul (find matches)
Title: The birds of Europe
Year: 1837 (1830s)
Authors: Gould, John, 1804-1881
Subjects: Pictorial works Birds
Publisher: London, Printed by R. and J.E. Taylor, pub. by the author
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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st,and during the winter, we believe the adult to bear a close resemblance in plumage to the young of the yearwhich have not yet undergone any change. The male and female offer but little difference. M. Temminck informs us that it is extremely rare both in the marshes and on the coasts of Holland,its native locality appearing to be more especially confined to the rivers and fresh waters of the North ofEurope. Its food consists of small fishes, crustaceous animals, the larvse of water insects, &c. The bill is black ; the irides bright red ; the ear-feathers long and silky, radiating from the eye to theocciput, and of a light glossy chestnut; the head ornamented with a short full crest, which, with the throat,neck, and upper surface, is of a uniform blackish brown. The quill-feathers dark brown, secondaries white ;sides of the rump dark chestnut brown. The whole of the under surface a pure silvery white ; legs greenish-black. Weight thirteen ounces ; length twelve inches and a half.
Text Appearing After Image:
0 is N LITTLE GREBE, ok DABCHICK. Podiceps minor, Linn.Le Grebe custagneux. The changes in plumage which even a bird so common as the Dabchick undergoes, have been until lately solittle understood as to have produced for a single species a double nomenclature. It is now, however, knownthat the black-chinned Grebe of older authors, and by them supposed to be a distinct species, is the Podicepsminor in its summer plumage. In this state, as well as in that which it assumes in winter, we have introducedit in our Plate. To this little bird, as to its congeners, the water is the native and familiar element. Extensively spread overEurope, except as we approach the more northern regions, it may be seen busily traversing the surface ofinland waters, or dipping and diving in pursuit of its food; still it is shy, and distrustful of man, disliking hispresence, and avoiding his prying curiosity by retreating at his approach to its reedy covert; or, if this be im-practicable, diving among floating

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