Bird Guide

Least Grebe vs Little Grebe

Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus)

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus

Medium133 gWetland

The least grebe ranges in length from 21–27 cm (8.3–10.6 in) (depending on the subspecies) and in weight from 112–180 g (4.0–6.3 oz). Weights are variable based on region and subspecies, being smaller in Panama, where males weighed a mean of 129 g (4.6 oz) against the females 116 g (4.1 oz) and larger in the West Indies, where the sexes weigh a mean of 161 g (5.7 oz) and 133 g (4.7 oz), respectively. In Texas, size is intermediate at 139 g (4.9 oz) and 122 g (4.3 oz). Even in the largest races, the least grebe is still smaller and lighter than any other grebe species. Voice: The breeding call has been likened to a horse whinnying.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: atlnature · CC BY 4.0
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Little Grebe

Tachybaptus ruficollis

Medium169 gWetland

The little grebe is a small water bird with a pointed bill. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich, rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks, and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Juvenile birds have a yellow bill with a small black tip, and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck as seen below. This yellow bill darkens as the juveniles age, eventually turning black in adulthood.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0
Photo: Alexis Lours · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Least Grebe and Little Grebe.