The New Student's Reference Work/Grebe

Grebe (grēb), a kind of waterbird, is peculiar for its semi-webbed feet and legs set very far back in such a way as to be better adapted for swimming than for walking on shore. There are more than 20 species, one or another of which is to be found in any quarter of the high seas. The downy feathers of grebes are in demand for ladies' muffs and other articles of winter dress. In America grebes are often popularly called hell-divers. The horned grebe, to be recognised by a ruff of rusty-black feathers upon the head, is common both to America and Europe. The European variety, known as the great crested grebe, grows to a length of over two feet.