Grebes
Podicipedidae
Family Distribution
This map shows the combined distribution of all species in the Podicipedidae family.
Colour intensity indicates the number of species present in each region:
- Darker colours = More species
- Lighter colours = Fewer species
Notable Species
Attribute Champions
The Black-necked Grebe demonstrates remarkable agility in water, with excellent swimming and diving abilities. Their capacity to submerge for up to 30 seconds and perform elaborate synchronized swimming displays during courtship indicates high manoeuvrability and control.
Whilst not exceptionally strong for their size, Great Crested Grebes possess sufficient strength to dive and catch fish. Their ability to carry chicks on their backs also indicates moderate strength.
Little Grebes exhibit high adaptability, thriving in various freshwater habitats from small ponds to coastal lagoons. Their ability to adjust buoyancy by compressing feathers and air sacs, coupled with their diverse diet of aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and plants, demonstrates significant adaptability. Their partial migratory behaviour in response to harsh winters further supports this rating.
Great Crested Grebes are generally not highly aggressive, but they do exhibit territorial behaviour during breeding season. Their elaborate courtship displays suggest a preference for ritual over aggression in mate selection.
Horned Grebes exhibit high endurance, evidenced by their long-distance migrations, ability to dive for 30-40 seconds at a time, and capacity to breed in challenging northern environments. Their chicks' early diving abilities also suggest inherent endurance.
