The grebe family Podicipedidae is the only member of the Podicipediformes order. They have no close relatives – perhaps flamingos are the closest. They have large feet with lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, although they can run for a short distance, they are prone to falling over, since they have their feet placed far back on the body. Grebes have narrow wings, and some species are reluctant to fly. They respond to danger by diving rather than flying. They vary from 23 to 71 cm. Bills vary from short and thick to long and pointed, depending on the diet, which ranges from fish to freshwater insects and crustaceans. Grebes make floating nests of plant material concealed among reeds on the surface of the water.

Grebes have unusual plumage. It is dense and waterproof, and on the underside the feathers are at right-angles to the skin, sticking straight out to begin with and curling at the tip. By pressing their feathers against the body, grebes can adjust their buoyancy. Often, they swim low in the water with just the head and neck exposed. In the non-breeding season, grebes are plain-coloured in dark browns and whites. However, most have ornate and distinctive breeding plumages, often developing chestnut markings on the head area, and perform elaborate display rituals. The young are often striped and retain some of their juvenile plumage even after reaching full size.

[abstracted from Wikipedia]


Genus Podiceps

Grebe, Great-crested Podiceps cristatus   Found: Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia
Photographed by:  1) Marco Serra   2, 3, 4) Dick Daniels - New Zealand   5) Lukasz Lukasik.




Genus Poliocephalus

Grebe, Hoary-headed  Poliocephalus poliocephalus  Found: Australasia
Photographed by:  1) JJ Harrison - Tasmania, Australia  2) Oystercatcher



Genus Tachybaptus

Grebe, Australasian  Tachybaptus novaehollandiae  Found: Australia
Photographed by: 1) Oystercatcher - Causeway, Canberra, ACT, Australia  2) Keith Lightbody - Perth, Australia
   3) David Cook - Wamboin, NSW, Australia


Grebe, Little Tachybaptus ruficollis   Found: Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia
Photographed by:  1) BS ThurnerHof  2) ) Roger Sanderson   3) Dick Daniels in Tanzania