Little Grebe

The little grebe is a compact waterbird only 23–29 cm long. Breeding adults have a chestnut neck and cheeks, dark cap and body, and a pale patch at the base of the short pointed bill; outside breeding plumage they become dull brown and buff. Its rounded shape, almost absent tail and habit of diving immediately when alarmed distinguish it from small ducks. A trilling call often reveals birds hidden among reeds (Wikipedia, general species account).

It inhabits vegetated freshwater ponds, lakes, reservoirs and slow rivers across Europe, Africa and Asia. Birds dive for small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans and molluscs, swallowing small prey underwater or at the surface. Floating nests are anchored to plants and built from wet vegetation. Both adults incubate four to six eggs for about 20–21 days and commonly cover them with nest material before leaving. Striped chicks ride on their parents' backs soon after hatching (Wikipedia, general species account).