Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) is a small, dumpy Grebe, which often appears to have a 'fluffy' rear end. Size varies from 25 to 29 cm. It readily dives into water when disturbed.
In summer, the bird has a bright chestnut throat and cheeks and a pale gape patch at the base of the bill. It can be noisy, with a distinctive whinnying trill. It nests on ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers.
Usually, two eggs are laid, and the striped young are sometimes carried on the adult’s back. Food consists of insects, larvae, small shellfish and fish.
Little Grebe can be seen in the Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu.
