Least Grebe
Tachybaptus dominicus
The Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) is a common greb found in 35 countries, weighing about 133 g. The least grebe, an aquatic bird, is the smallest member of the grebe family.
About the Least Grebe
The least grebe, an aquatic bird, is the smallest member of the grebe family. It occurs in the New World from the southwestern United States and Mexico to Argentina, and also on Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Least Grebe?
- 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). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Least Grebe?
- The Least Grebe is a medium sized bird weighing about 133 g.
- Where can you see a Least Grebe?
- The Least Grebe occurs in 35 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and Brazil.
- What birds look similar to a Least Grebe?
- The Least Grebe is most easily confused with the Australasian Grebe, the Madagascar Grebe and the Little Grebe.
- Is the Least Grebe endangered?
- The Least Grebe is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Least Grebe for real
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