Little Grebe

Tachybaptus ruficollis

During summer, the adult is primarily dark on top, with a rufous neck, cheeks, and flanks, along with a bright yellow, pointed bill. In winter, the coloration changes to a brownish-grey for non-breeding birds, and a fluffy-looking rump is typically present. Juveniles feature yellow bills with black tips, as well as black and white streaks on their cheeks and sides of the neck. Nests are constructed on floating vegetation. The breeding call consists of repeated weet-weet-weet sounds that resemble a whinnying horse. They dive to catch fish. Chicks are sometimes seen riding on the backs of swimming adults, although they are capable of swimming shortly after hatching. This species is the smallest grebe found in Britain and is commonly referred to as the 'Dabchick.'

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