29-9-2016 MALDON, ESSEX - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis ), also known as dabchick, is a member of the grebe family of water birds. The genus name is from Ancient Greek takhus "fast" and bapto "to sink under". The specific ruficollis is from Latin rufus "red" and Modern Latin -collis, "-necked", itself derived from Latin collum "neck".

At 23 to 29 centimetres (9 to 11+1⁄2 inches) in length it is the smallest European member of its family. It is commonly found in open bodies of water across most of its range.

Population size

610,000-3.5Mln

Life Span

10-15 years

Weight

130-236

goz

g oz 

Length

23-29

cminch

cm inch 

Wingspan

40-45

cminch

cm inch