Least Grebe

Overview

The least grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) is an aquatic bird and the smallest member of the grebe family. It is the only species of its genus found in the New World, where it inhabits wetlands from the southwestern United States and Mexico to Argentina, as well as the Caribbean.

Identification

• Small and plump bird, ranging from 21–27 cm in length, appearing quite dark all over.
• Features a fairly short, sharp-pointed beak and bright yellow eyes.
• Breeding adults display a brownish grey back, a blackish crown and throat, brownish chest, and pale underparts.
• Distinct white wing patch is visible in flight.
• Breeding call resembles a horse whinnying.

Habitat

This species occupies a wide variety of wetland habitats, including freshwater ponds, lakes, marshes, slow-flowing rivers, roadside ditches, and mangrove swamps. It generally prefers bodies of water with significant vegetative cover, particularly along the edges, and may even use wetlands that are almost completely overgrown.

Diet

The least grebe consumes a variety of aquatic life, including small fish, crustaceans, frogs, and aquatic insects. It forages by pursuing prey underwater, spending an average of 12.5 seconds beneath the surface on each dive with surface pauses ranging from two to 24 seconds.

Did you know?

Unlike all other members of its genus, the least grebe lacks any chestnut colouring on the neck.