Grebes (Podicipedidae)

 

The Podicipedidae contains 6 extant genera and 22 species. Grebes are small to medium-sized diving birds, with feet placed far back on the body, lobed toes, and narrow wings; two species are completely flightless. They are found on all of the continents, except Antarctica, but best represented in temperate regions of North and South America, and Eurasia.

Grebes breed on lakes, ponds, oxbows, etc. Some species perform a striking courtship display. Nest is a floating platform of aquatic vegetation. Pair shares nest building, incubation, and care of the young. On leaving the nest, adults often cover the eggs with wet plant material. The nest is usually deserted after the young hatch, but sometimes used as a resting platform for few days. The small young spend most of their time riding on the parents’ backs. Grebes feed largely on fish, aquatic insects, and other invertebrates.

 

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