IDENTITY RECORD

Little grebe

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Tachybaptus ruficollis

DescrIption

I am the smallest and dumpiest member of the grebe family and am often compared to a cork. I measure about 30 cm and my wingspan can range from 40 to 45 cm. I weigh between 100 and 200 grams.

Behavior

Diet

Unlike the other species of grebe which are primarily piscivorous, I eat mostly larvae and insects.

Reproduction

I build my nest in the reeds. Between April and July, I lay around five eggs that hatch about 20 days later.

Lifespan

I can live for up to 13 years.

Where and when can you find me in the reserve ?

Habitat

I adapt to all types of waterbodies, even the smallest (ponds, lakes, ox-bows) provided I have enough food.

When to spot me

I spend a lot of time on the water, so you won’t usually see me fly. I am sedentary, however, and can be spotted all year round.

Conservation status

• Red list of nesting birds in metropolitan France: Least Concern (LC).
• Red list of endangered nesting birds in Alsace: Vulnerable (VU).
• Protected in France.