Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus)

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.

Adult Description.
Small waterbird.
Sooty-colored head and body.
Thin, dark bill.
Yellow eyes.
Immature Description.

Bill is pale. Eyes brown, turning whitish as it gets older. Head has white stripes, gradually darkening. Throat white.

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.

Habitats.
Temporary or permanent wetlands, including ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow-moving rivers.

Foods.
Aquatic insects, small fish, and tadpoles.

Nesting.
Clutch Size
3–7 eggs

Egg Description
Whitish, or pale blue or green.

Condition at Hatching
Covered with black-and-white down. Within 20 minutes after hatching, young Least Grebes can climb on their mother's backs; within 40 minutes, they can cling to their mother when she dives.

Behaviour.
Picks prey from water's surface; also dives to pluck food from the bottom, or emerges from under water to snap at flying insects above surface.

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