Key Facts
- Length: 25-29cm
- Weight: up to 140g
Grebes are diving waterbirds, feeding on small fish and aquatic invertebrates.
The Little Grebe or ‘Dabchick’, as it is sometimes known, is our smallest grebe, about half the size of a Moorhen. Grebes nest on floating platforms made up of waterweed.
How to Identify
A small, brownish grebe with a fluffy bum, the Little Grebe develops a bright chestnut throat and cheeks during the breeding season. It can be a noisy bird, making a distinctive whinnying trill.
Where to find
Found on canals, ponds, lakes and rivers throughout the country.
How People Can Help
The survival of our waterbirds is threatened by the loss and degradation of many of our wetland habitats. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you’ll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.
Did you know?
When Little Grebe chicks are young, the parents will sometimes carry them on their backs.
Similar Species

Barn Owl
- Birds

Black-Headed Gull
- Birds

Blackbird
- Birds

Blackcap
- Birds

Blue Tit
- Birds

Bullfinch
- Birds

Buzzard
- Birds

Canada Goose
- Birds

Carrion Crow
- Birds

Chaffinch
- Birds

Chiffchaff
- Birds

Coal Tit
- Birds

Collared Dove
- Birds

Coot
- Birds

Curlew
- Birds

Dipper
- Birds

Dunnock
- Birds

Fieldfare
- Birds

Goldcrest
- Birds

Golden Plover
- Birds

Goldfinch
- Birds

Great Tit
- Birds

Hen Harrier
- Birds

Herring Gull
- Birds

Kestrel
- Birds

Kingfisher
- Birds

Lapwing
- Birds

Linnet
- Birds

Little Egret
- Birds

Mallard
- Birds

Mandarin Duck
- Birds

Meadow Pipit
- Birds

Moorhen
- Birds

Peregrine falcon
- Birds

Robin
- Birds

Skylark
- Birds

Snipe
- Birds

Starling
- Birds

Swift
- Birds

Tree Sparrow
- Birds

Waxwing
- Birds

Wheatear
- Birds

Wood Warbler
- Birds