(Tachybaptus ruficollis) The Little Grebe is a small water bird with a pointed bill. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks, and bright yellow gape.
The Little Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place.
Like all grebes, it nests at the water’s edge, since its legs are set very far back and it cannot walk well. Usually four to seven eggs are laid. When the adult bird leaves the nest it usually takes care to cover the eggs with weeds. This makes it less likely to be detected by predators. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching, and chicks are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults.
Taking a bath and flaring the wings.
Lovely pics. I’ve never heard of the Little Grebe before. Thanks for the pics and info. 😉
Beautiful and wonderfully informative! I thoroughly enjoyed your post
Thanks Crazygran.
Cute little guy, great splashing and reflection photos, interesting background.
These are so cute.
Reblogged this on photographyofnia and commented:
What a nice bath time… 🙂
This little Grebe, she is so lovely, so lovely… seems that it was a great fun to take her pictures. I loved them so much dear Rob, you did amazing set… Thank you, with my love, nia
and soon to be in full flight and life.
They played around in front of the hide not 5m away from me.
Oh God – those ones of the little grebe washing! OH! So Godamned CUTE! Wonderful photos – as always 🙂
Thanks I took some photos of trees yesterday, improving slowly, not good enough to post yet.
rubbish. I don’t know whether my early posts were all that amazing either 🙂