Least Grebe

Least Grebe, adult, breeding plumage

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Least Grebes, nonbreeding plumage; TX, February

Least Grebe, breeding plumage; TX.

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

The smallest grebe in the Americas, the Least Grebe inhabits both temporary and permanent wetlands from south Texas to Argentina. Easily overlooked because of its size, coloration, and habits, it remains the most poorly understood of North American grebes.

Description

• Small waterbird.
• Sooty-colored head and body.
• Thin, dark bill.
• Yellow eyes.

• Size: 22-27 cm (9-11 in)
• Weight: 81-182 g (2.86-6.42 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes alike in plumage, male slightly larger.

Sound

Call is a loud, ringing, nasal single-syllable note. Also an extended trill.

Conservation Status

Hunted across much of its range. No immediate conservation concern.

Other Names

Grebe minime (French)
Zambullidor chico, Tigua (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• The Least Grebe sunbathes by facing away from the sun, closing its wings and tipping them upward on the back. It raises feathers of the rear parts, as well as those on the back of the head. The skin underneath these raised feathers has black pigment, believed to help absorb solar radiation.
• The Least Grebe can hide under water with only its bill showing above the surface.

Sources used to construct this page:

Storer, R. W. 1992. Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus). In The Birds of North America, No. 24 (A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, DC: The American Ornithologists' Union.