128744 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis L 25-29cm. Dumpy, buoyant waterbird with powderpuff of feathers at rear end. Dives frequently for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Wings are rounded and uniform grey-brown. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly brownish but neck and cheeks are chestnut. Pale-tipped dark bill has lime-green spot at base. In winter, has mainly brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Juvenile recalls winter adult but with pale throat and black stripes on face. Voice Utters a whinnying trill. Status Ffairly common resident of freshwater ponds and slow-flowing rivers; in winter, also seen on sheltered coasts and estuaries.
