Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) lives in freshwater lakes across Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Hear the Little Grebe
A real field recording of the Little Grebe, made in the wild.
Measuring just 23 to 29 cm in length, the little grebe is the tiniest grebe found across Europe, Asia and Africa. Its small stature sets it apart from the larger members of the grebe family that share its habitats. Despite its diminutive size it is a common sight on open lakes and ponds throughout most of its range, where it readily blends with the water's surface.
During the breeding season the little grebe produces a rapid, trilled call that sounds like a horse whinnying. The vocalisation is given either singly or in duet, creating a repeated weet-weet-weet or wee-wee-wee pattern that carries over the water. This distinctive sound helps individuals locate mates and defend their nesting territory.
The grebe's legs are positioned far back on its body, making walking awkward and confining it to the water's edge for nesting. Consequently it builds its nest right at the water's margin, where the adult can quickly dive if threatened. When leaving the nest the adult carefully covers the eggs with weeds, a behaviour that reduces the chance of predator detection.
The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching, giving them an immediate escape route from ground predators. Because the grebe's legs are set far back it nests right at the water's edge, where the adult can dive quickly if threatened. When the adult departs it often covers the eggs with weeds, hiding them from sight. Chicks are frequently seen perched on the backs of swimming adults as they move across the water.
Ten subspecies of the little grebe are recognised, four widespread and six with restricted ranges, and they are mainly distinguished by size, eye colour and the amount of white on the wing feathers. The three eastern subspecies, T. r. vulcanorum, T. r. tricolor and T. r. collaris, are sometimes split off as the tricoloured grebe, which differs only slightly, notably by its red eyes and blackish flanks and underparts.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.
RangeSub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia
HabitatFreshwater lakes
DietInsects and crustaceans
About the Little Grebe
In the tranquil depths of freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers, the Little Grebe glides with effortless elegance, its diminutive frame belied by a robust spirit and an unyielding will to thrive. As it paddles through the water, its bright, inquisitive eyes scan the surroundings with an air of quiet confidence, ever vigilant for the slightest hint of danger or the promise of a succulent meal. With its soft, whistled calls echoing across the stillness, the Little Grebe weaves a subtle yet captivating presence, a true marvel of adaptability in the unassuming guise of a small, yet resilient, waterbird.
Advertisement
Hear the Little Grebe, and 4,400+ more
Real recorded sounds, 11 nature games and a free Daily 5, 1v1 quiz duels, conservation wins and a safe Kids mode. Free on Feravox.
