Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus)

Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus

Brazilian name: Merguhão-pequeno

Least Grebe, Najasa, Cuba, February 2005 - click on image for a larger view

The Least Grebe is distributed from southern Texas through Central America to most of South America down to about Uruguay. It is usually found in shallow lakes and ponds.

At 24 cm. it is small. It has a straight blackish bill and looks dark at a distance. The eye is yellow or orange. Breeding adults have a black crown and throat while non-breeding adults have a white throat.

Least Grebe, Mucugê, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, October 2008 - click on image for a larger view

It feeds on aquatic insects and snails. While swimming it can stay underwater for a long time.

Photo 1 was taken at Najasa, Cuba and photo 2 at Mucugê, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia.

There are recordings on xeno-canto, a distribution map from NatureServe and additional information available via Avibase.

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