little grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis

Smallest British grebe of lakes and reservoirs

Habitat: well vegetated lakes, rivers and reservoirs; occurs during winter in coastal areas

Widespread and common resident

Rust-red cheeks, neck and throat with yellow spot at base of bill

Swims, dives and occasionally flies

Eats fish, insects, crustaceans and molluscs; flight laborious and poor

Nest is a floating mound of vegetation in water

2 Broods April – July; 4-6 eggs white