Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis
The Little Grebe is a small, widespread waterbird that can be seen in Britain throughout the year, with a preference for freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and marshes, particularly during the breeding season. It is a common breeding species in southern England, but less frequent in northern Scotland and western Scotland.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Little Grebe in the field.
The Little Grebe can be identified by its distinctive black neck, yellow or pinkish-yellow bill, and its overall compact, rounded body shape, with a short, stubby tail and a distinctive hunched posture.
The Little Grebe is smaller than a Moorhen, but larger than a Blue Tit.
The male Little Grebe has a breeding plumage characterized by a black neck, yellow or pinkish-yellow bill, and a brownish-grey back, with a whitish underside and a distinctive yellow or orange-yellow patch on the forehead and forecrown.
The female Little Grebe is similar to the male, with a slightly duller colouration and a less vibrant yellow or orange-yellow patch on the forehead and forecrown.
The Little Grebe's call is a high-pitched, whistling "wee-wee-wee" or "pee-wee", often repeated in a series, and can be heard throughout the year, particularly during the breeding season.
The Little Grebe is a diving bird that feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects, and can be seen swimming and diving in the water with its body submerged, using its powerful legs and webbed feet to propel itself underwater, and then surfacing with its prey.
The Little Grebe can be confused with the Great Crested Grebe, but can be distinguished by its smaller size, shorter neck, and lack of a crest, as well as its more compact, rounded body shape and distinctive black neck and yellow or pinkish-yellow bill.
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