Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis
Aves › Podicipediformes › Podicipedidae › Tachybaptus
Conservation status: least_concern
The Little Grebe is a tiny, dumpy water bird with a distinctive chestnut neck and face, dark upperparts, and pale underside that becomes more buffy during breeding season. It's one of Europe's smallest grebes, rarely seen far from water where it dives frequently to catch small fish and aquatic invertebrates, often disappearing underwater rather than flying away when disturbed.
How To Identify
This small, compact diving bird is characterized by its dark brown plumage and distinctive white collar or neck patch. Unlike many larger grebes, it often appears quite round and somewhat fluffy.
Habitat
The Little Grebe lives in ponds, slow rivers, and ditches.
Behaviour
The Little Grebe frequently dives and performs a trilling whinny duet in the spring.
Native Range
The Little Grebe is native to Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea, and most of Africa.
Did You Know?
Known as 'dabchick' — it dives so swiftly it seems to vanish; nicknamed 'the disappearing act'.
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