Western Europe Birds & Birding (#6/52): From the Highland Willow Scrub of Scotland to the Aegean Islands in the Sea of Crete, Western Europe is home to over 800 resident, migratory and vagrant birds. From songbirds to gamebirds and from waterfowl to raptors, you can find birds virtually in every nook and cranny of this beautiful area. *All images showcased in this blog series were taken and edited by me.

A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

Physical Characteristics:

The Little Grebe, scientifically known as Tachybaptus ruficollis, is a small water bird that stands as a diminutive marvel within the avian realm. It measures about 25 to 29 centimeters in length. This bird has a distinctive shape with a short neck, rounded body, and a relatively short, stubby tail. The overall impression is that of a miniature diving bird. During the breeding season, its plumage is vibrant, characterized by a blackish-brown color, a chestnut throat and cheeks, and a pale yellowish patch at the base of the bill. In non-breeding season, the plumage is less vibrant, with grey-brown upperparts and crown, a whitish throat, chin and breast, and buff-brown streaky markings on the face, neck, and flanks.

Diet:

The diet of the Little Grebe is varied but predominantly consists of insects, small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and amphibians. They are skilled divers and pursue their prey underwater. Crane flies and mayflies and their larvae are among the most important food sources, and crustaceans and molluscs are also eaten.

Abundance and Distribution:

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.

IUCN Red List Status:

According to the IUCN Red List, the total Little Grebe population size is around 610,000-3,500,000 individuals. The European population consists of 129,000-208,000 pairs, which equates to 258,000-417,000 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.

LITTLE GREBE WAS LIFER # 791

Little Grebe 03 Oct 2022 Audley End NT | GB-ENG

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• A Noisy Encounter with a Short-toed Treecreeper at Etang de L’Ursine, France
• Reed Bunting
• European Goldfinch
• European Greenfinch