Little Grebe Bird Facts (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

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

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Benin Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Central African Republic Chad China Comoros Congo Côte D'Ivoire Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti East Timor (Timor-Leste) Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Finland France Gabon Gambia Germany Ghana Greece Guinea Hungary India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Italy Japan Kenya Kuwait Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritania Mayotte Moldova Monaco Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands Niger Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Rwanda San Marino Saudi Arabia Serbia Sierra Leone Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand The United Kingdom Togo Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Georgia Hong Kong Israel Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan North Korea Papua New Guinea Russia Senegal Singapore South Africa Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Jordan

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Australia Faroe Islands Gibraltar Mongolia Spain

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Little Grebe demonstrates remarkable agility in aquatic environments. Its ability to dive swiftly with minimal disturbance to the water surface, stay submerged for up to 30 seconds, and manoeuvre effectively underwater to catch prey indicates high agility. The bird's capacity for rapid direction changes and precise movements in water contributes to this elevated agility rating.

Strength 40

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst the Little Grebe is a proficient swimmer and diver, its small size (23-29 cm in length and weighing 120-300 g) suggests moderate strength relative to larger waterbirds. The strength required for underwater propulsion and carrying materials for nest-building is notable, but not exceptional compared to other avian species.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

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.

Aggressiveness 55

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Little Grebes display moderate aggressiveness, particularly during the breeding season. Their elaborate courtship displays and territorial behaviour suggest a degree of assertiveness. However, they are not known for exceptional aggression towards other species or conspecifics outside of breeding contexts, leading to a mid-range aggression rating.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Little Grebe's endurance is considerable, especially in aquatic environments. Their ability to dive frequently, sometimes staying submerged for up to 30 seconds, and their capacity for long-distance migration (in some populations) indicate good endurance. The species' widespread distribution across various climates and elevations (up to 5000 metres) further supports this endurance rating.

Diet

Little Grebes primarily feed on small aquatic invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and molluscs. Crane flies, and mayflies and their larvae are among the most important food sources

They also consume small fish and amphibians. Their diet is supplemented with aquatic plants. These birds hunt by diving, using their feet for propulsion and sharp bill to catch prey underwater.

Behaviour

Little Grebes are excellent swimmers and divers, often disappearing underwater with barely a ripple. They frequently engage in rapid dives to catch prey, staying submerged for up to 30 seconds.

During the breeding season, pairs perform elaborate courtship displays, including synchronised swimming and offering water weeds to each other.

Vocalisation

Little Grebe's are noisy birds, and the most distinctive vocalisation is a loud, rapid trilling call, often described as a whinnying laugh or a high-pitched 'weet-weet-weet'. This call is frequently heard during the breeding season.

In flight or when alarmed, they may produce a sharp 'bib' or 'pip' sound.

Nesting & Breeding

Little Grebes typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which varies by region but often occurs from April to August. Courtship involves elaborate displays, including synchronised swimming and platform-building rituals.

Nests are floating platforms of aquatic vegetation, usually anchored to emergent plants. Females lay 4-6 white eggs, which quickly become stained brown from the nest material. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.

Incubation lasts about 20-25 days. Chicks are precocial, able to swim and dive shortly after hatching. They often ride on their parents' backs for protection and warmth. Fledging occurs after 30-40 days.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While the Little Grebe is listed as Least Concern globally, it faces localised threats from habitat loss and degradation.

Wetland conservation efforts, particularly in Europe and Asia, are crucial for maintaining healthy populations. Climate change and water pollution also pose potential long-term risks to this species.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

610,000 - 3,500,000 individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Little Grebes in small ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers
Listen for their distinctive whinnying trill, often heard during the breeding season
Observe their frequent diving behaviour, which can help distinguish them from ducks
In the UK, check wetland areas year-round, as many birds are resident

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Dabchick

Family:

Podicipedidae

Average Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Predators

Main predators of Little Grebes include large fish, birds of prey (such as herons and gulls), and mammals like mink and otters. Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to corvids and water rats.

Did You Know?

Little Grebes can adjust their buoyancy by compressing their feathers and air sacs, allowing them to sink slowly into the water.
They often eat their own feathers, which may help protect their digestive system from sharp fish bones.
During courtship, Little Grebes perform a 'penguin dance', standing upright in the water with necks stretched.

FAQs

Do Little Grebes fly?

Little grebes are largely sedentary and remain in their home waters for extended periods. However, they can fly considerable distances, which can mainly be observed during migration from frozen inland waters to ice-free estuaries and coasts in winter months.

Is a Little Grebe a duck?

Although duckling-sized and similar in appearance to smaller ducks, little grebes belong to a distinct and separate family of waterbirds called grebes.