Little Grebe

Overview

The little grebe, also known as the dabchick, is the smallest member of the grebe family in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a small water bird with a pointed bill that is commonly found in open bodies of water across most of its range.

Identification

• Adults in summer are predominantly dark above with a rich rufous colour neck, cheeks, and flanks, plus a bright yellow gape.
• In winter, the bird displays buff plumage with a darker back and cap, and a distinctive 'powder puff' rear end.
• The breeding call is a trilled repeated weet-weet-weet or wee-wee-wee that sounds like a horse whinnying.

Habitat

The species breeds in small colonies in heavily vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea, and most of Africa. In winter, most birds move to more open or coastal waters, though it is only migratory in parts of its range where waters freeze.

Diet

The little grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver that pursues fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses vegetation skilfully as a hiding place while foraging.

Did you know?

When adult birds leave the nest, they usually take care to cover the eggs with weeds to make them less likely to be detected by predators. Chicks are also often carried on the backs of the swimming adults.