Scientific Name:
Tachybaptus ruficollis
Common Name:
Little Grebe
Family:
Grebe: Podicipediformes
Summary:
The Little Grebe is a small water bird. In summer a large red patch develops on the otherwise black neck. The bill is short and black with a bright light bar at the base. The head and back are black and the flanks brown with a white patch under the very short tail. In winter the colours tone down to shades of brown.
Ecology:
Little Grebes are found in small groups in many water habitats that have good vegetative cover. The feed on invertebrates and small fish.
Habitat:
Freshwater lakes, estuaries.
Distribution:
Throughout the British Isles except upland areas.
Size:
26 cm