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  • Little grebe

Little grebe

Little grebe (summer plumage)
Little grebe (summer plumage)
Little grebe (winter plumage)
Little grebe (winter plumage)
  • Scientific name: Tachybaptus ruficollis
  • Bird family: Grebes
  • UK conservation status: Green
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Audio

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Patrik Åberg, Xeno-canto

Key information

The little grebe is a small, dumpy grebe which often appears to have a 'fluffy' rear end. It readily dives when disturbed, surfacing unseen some distance away. In summer it has a bright chestnut throat and cheeks and a pale gape patch at the base of the bill. It can be noisy, with a distinctive whinnying trill.

What they eat:

Insects, larvae and small fish.

Measurements:

Length:
25-29cm
Wingspan:
40-45cm
Weight:
100-140g

Population:

UK breeding:
5,300 pairs
UK wintering:
16,000 individuals

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Little grebe (summer plumage)

Little grebe, summer plumage
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Red
Leg colour: Brown
Beak: Black Medium length Chunky
Natural habitats: Marine and intertidal Urban and suburban Wetland

Little grebe (winter plumage)

Little grebe in winter
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Grey White
Leg colour: Brown
Beak: Black Medium length Chunky
Natural habitats: Marine and intertidal Urban and suburban Wetland

Similar birds:

  • Black necked grebe
    Black-necked grebe
  • Slavonian grebe, summer plumage
    Slavonian grebe

Where and when to see them

Little grebes are found across the UK although they are largely absent from upland areas. Look for it wherever there are suitable lakes, gravel pits, canals and slow rivers with plenty of vegetation. In winter it can be found on more exposed lakes, as well as sheltered coasts and estuaries. Winter concentrations can be found in places like the Thames Estuary, Chew Valley Lake and Rutland Water.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Little grebe distribution map

You can see little grebes all year round.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Newport Wetlands

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