Little Grebe

Tachybaptus ruficollis

This small, feisty and noisy diving expert is a master of freshwater habitats, vanishing beneath the surface in the blink of an eye.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Little Grebe is a small, compact waterbird with a rounded body and short, pointed bill. In breeding plumage, it displays rich chestnut-brown cheeks and neck, contrasting with a darker crown and upperparts. The sides of the body show a mix of dark brown and buff.

Non-breeding adults have paler plumage, with greyish-brown upperparts and whitish underparts. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but often show striped facial patterns. The eyes are bright yellow in all plumages.

Sexes are alike in appearance, although females are usually slightly smaller than males.

Size

Length

23cm to 29cm

Wingspan

40cm to 45cm

Weight

120g to 300g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Black

Secondary Colour

White Buff

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Green

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Little Grebe can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Little Grebe can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Little Grebe is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Little Grebes inhabit many freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and coastal lagoons. They prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation for cover and nesting. Their distribution spans across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.

In the UK, Little Grebes are widespread residents, found in suitable wetland habitats throughout the year. Some northern populations may move south during harsh winters, while others remain on ice-free waters.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Little Grebe. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons