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The Little Grebe, or Tachybaptus ruficollis, known colloquially as the dabchick, is the smallest European member of the grebe family. This diminutive water bird measures a mere 23 to 29 centimeters in length and is a common sight in open bodies of water across its range.
In the summer, the adult Little Grebe is a sight to behold with its dark upper parts and a striking rufous coloration on the neck, cheeks, and flanks, complemented by a bright yellow gape. Outside of the breeding season, the plumage turns to a more subdued brownish-grey. Juveniles can be identified by their yellow bills tipped with black and streaked cheeks. In winter, the species is recognizable by its buff plumage, darker back and cap, and distinctive rear end.
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The Little Grebe favors heavily vegetated areas of freshwater lakes for breeding. It is adept at using this dense vegetation as a cover.
This bird has a broad range, breeding across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea, and most of Africa. In winter, many individuals move to open or coastal waters, and it becomes migratory in regions where waters freeze.
Behavior and diet
Diving: It frequently submerges to dive for food and often surfaces some distance away from where it dived.
Diet: It feeds on submerged plants, aquatic insects, larvae, and small fish.
Sound: The bird can be noisy, making a distinctive whinnying trill.