Little GrebeTachybaptus ruficollisWhere and when to see them

The Little Grebe is a small freshwater diving bird found across much of Europe, Africa and Asia. It belongs to the grebe family rather than the duck family, despite its superficially duck-like appearance. Its compact body, short bill and rounded rear give it a distinctive silhouette on sheltered water. The species occurs in the wider Douro, Nile and Saône regions, wherever suitable wetland habitat is available. Birds are often easier to locate by their carrying, trilling calls than by sight.

Size

23–29 cm in length.

Weight

Approximately 130–235 g.

Lifespan

Can live for more than 10 years, although many birds live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Little Grebes spend much of their time swimming and diving, using their feet to propel themselves underwater. When alarmed, they often dive or slip into waterside vegetation rather than take flight. Breeding pairs defend territories and communicate with loud, rapid trills, sometimes calling together. They build a floating nest of aquatic vegetation, usually anchored to plants in shallow water. Adults often cover their eggs with nest material before leaving. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young, which may ride on an adult's back when small. Outside the breeding season, birds may gather in loose groups or move to more suitable waters when local conditions deteriorate.

• Its traditional English nickname is dabchick.
• Its toes have separate lobes rather than a duck's full webbing.
• Newly hatched chicks can swim and may ride on a parent's back.
• Its floating nest is anchored to aquatic vegetation.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Little Grebes favour shallow freshwater with abundant aquatic vegetation and sheltered edges. Typical habitats include ponds, small lakes, marshes, reservoirs and slow-moving river channels. Along the Douro and Saône, quiet backwaters, vegetated margins and nearby ponds generally offer better habitat than exposed navigation channels. In the Nile region, suitable sites include sheltered river margins, canals and associated wetlands. Some birds also use brackish waters, especially outside the breeding season.

The diet consists mainly of small aquatic animals, particularly insects and their larvae. Little Grebes also eat small fish, crustaceans, molluscs and tadpoles. Most prey is captured during short dives, although birds also pick food from the surface or from aquatic plants. The balance of prey varies with local availability and season.

Common name

Little Grebe

Scientific name

Tachybaptus ruficollis

Animal group

Birds

Size

23–29 cm in length.

Weight

Approximately 130–235 g.

Lifespan

Can live for more than 10 years, although many birds live much shorter lives.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a very small, compact grebe with a short, pointed bill, a short neck and a fluffy, rounded rear. In breeding plumage, adults show a dark crown and back, rich chestnut cheeks and neck, and a conspicuous pale yellow patch at the base of the bill. Non-breeding birds are duller, with buff cheeks and neck contrasting with a darker cap and upperparts. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but may retain dark stripes on the face.