A master of freshwater habitats and the smallest member of the grebe family in Europe. Its compact size and dexterous abilities in water distinguish it as a proficient hunter and an intriguing subject of avian study.
Adapted perfectly for an aquatic lifestyle, the Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, has a streamlined body that allows for exceptional maneuverability both on the surface and underwater. Its lobed feet, set back on the body, act like flippers to propel it through the water with agility and speed. This bird’s diving capability is central to its feeding strategy, enabling it to catch a variety of prey with remarkable efficiency.
The Little Grebe’s distribution is extensive, spanning across various continents. In Africa, it can be found in suitable habitats from the north to the south of the continent. It is widespread throughout Asia, reaching as far as New Guinea, and it occupies a significant range across Europe. This broad distribution is a testament to the species’ adaptability to different environmental conditions.
The breeding habits of the Little Grebe are fascinating, as it often nests solitarily in the vegetated areas of freshwater lakes. The nest is an impressive feat of natural engineering: a floating platform of vegetation anchored securely to surrounding plants. This concealment strategy protects the eggs and chicks from predators and the elements.
The diet of the Little Grebe is varied but predominantly consists of aquatic insects and their larvae, supplemented by small amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. Their hunting technique involves diving and chasing prey underwater, often staying submerged for lengthy periods.
During the breeding season, Little Grebes become more territorial and are often seen and heard in smaller bodies of water. Their distinctive “whinnying” call is a common sound in their habitats during this time. Outside the mating season, they are more likely to be found in larger, open waters, including sheltered estuaries and occasionally beaches.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Benin
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Botswana
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
China
Comoros
Congo-Brazzaville
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Denmark
Djibouti
East Timor
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Guinea
Hong Kong
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Mayotte
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
UAE
Uganda
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
