Titicaca Grebe
Rollandia microptera
The Titicaca Grebe (Rollandia microptera) is a rare greb found in 2 countries, weighing about 706 g. The Titicaca grebe, also known as the Titicaca flightless grebe or short-winged grebe, is a flightless species of grebe found on the altiplano of Peru and Bolivia.
About the Titicaca Grebe
The Titicaca grebe, also known as the Titicaca flightless grebe or short-winged grebe, is a flightless species of grebe found on the altiplano of Peru and Bolivia. As its name implies, its main population occurs on Lake Titicaca. Lake Uru Uru and Poopó, the Rio Desaguadero, and small lakes that connect to Lake Titicaca in wet years, serve as "spillovers" territory. In the past, the population was larger and several of these lakes – such as Lakes Umayo and Arapa – apparently had and may still have permanent large colonies. It is sometimes placed in Podiceps or a monotypic genus Centropelma. Its local name is zampullín del Titicaca.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This is a mid-sized grebe, varying from 28 to 45 cm in overall length. It weighs up to 600 g. Its coloration is unmistakable. The only grebe species it somewhat resembles is the red-necked grebe, which is not found in South America. The only congener, the white-tufted grebe, does not look very similar. The color pattern of the Titicaca grebe is altogether similar to that of the red-necked grebe, but it has a darker belly, and a white (not light grey) throat patch that runs down the neck nearly to the breast. Due to the short wings, the rufous flanks can usually be seen.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Titicaca Grebe can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Titicaca Grebe?
- This is a mid-sized grebe, varying from 28 to 45 cm in overall length. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Titicaca Grebe?
- The Titicaca Grebe is a large sized bird weighing about 706 g.
- Where can you see a Titicaca Grebe?
- The Titicaca Grebe occurs in 2 countries, including Bolivia and Peru.
- What birds look similar to a Titicaca Grebe?
- The Titicaca Grebe is most easily confused with the White-tufted Grebe.
- Is the Titicaca Grebe endangered?
- The Titicaca Grebe is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Titicaca Grebe for real
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