One of the most unusual and charming water birds in the world, found only on Lake Junín in the high Andes of central Peru. What makes it instantly distinctive is that it cannot fly at all, which is rare among grebes. Over time, its wings became very small because it no longer needed to migrate or escape predators by air. Instead, the Junín grebe is built for life on water, with a long neck, a pointed bill, and powerful legs set far back on its body. Its soft, brownish-gray feathers help it blend into the reeds, while its bright reddish eyes give it an alert, almost curious expression.

Most grebe species are strong swimmers and divers, but they can also fly between lakes or even continents. The Junín grebe, however, is completely dependent on Lake Junín and its surrounding wetlands. If conditions worsen, it has nowhere else to go. Unlike many of its relatives, it spends nearly all its time swimming among dense reeds, rarely venturing into open water. Its body is slightly larger and heavier than many flying grebes, which helps it dive deeper and stay underwater longer while hunting small fish and aquatic insects.

The Junín grebe also stands out because of its elaborate and surprisingly graceful courtship behavior. During the breeding season, pairs perform synchronized displays that include head shaking, bill dipping, and side-by-side swimming, creating a kind of water dance. These displays help strengthen pair bonds and ensure cooperation when raising chicks. The birds build floating nests made of reeds, carefully anchored to prevent them from drifting away. One fun fact is that grebe chicks often ride on their parents’ backs, peeking out from the feathers like tiny passengers, which not only keeps them warm but also protects them from danger.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Peru

300-400

Official estimate

EN

2020