Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Grebes

Grebes are a distinct and fascinating group of small to medium-large aquatic diving birds that belong to the order Podicipediformes. These birds are found worldwide, from freshwater lakes to marine habitats during migration and winter, with grebes even including some flightless species. The grebe family, Podicipedidae, comprises 22 species across six genera, known for their specialized lobed toes suited for swimming, diving, and somewhat awkward movement on land. Often monogamous, grebes are celebrated for their elaborate courtship dances and floating nests where they lay several eggs. Their conservation status is concerning with a third of species facing various threats such as habitat loss, invasive species, and hunting, which have already led to the extinction of three grebe species. Grebes bear a unique appearance with dense, waterproof plumage that can be ornate during the breeding season but more subdued in winter. They have the ability to regulate their buoyancy and, uniquely, are known to ingest their feathers, potentially aiding in digestion and protection against parasites. Although they resemble loons and coots and were historically associated with them, grebes are actually more closely related to flamingos, as determined by anatomical, molecular, and paleontological studies. Their fossil record suggests they likely originated in the Southern Hemisphere, with an incomplete record that indicates a sudden appearance 23–25 million years ago. Today, grebes are found worldwide except in the Arctic and extremely arid environments. Some species are resident while others migrate between freshwater breeding sites and coastal marine environments for winter. Their diet ranges from small aquatic invertebrates to mid-depth fish, depending on the species and bill shape. Grebes have a complex reproductive behavior, including courtship rituals like synchronized swimming and dances with aquatic vegetation. After these displays, they construct nests on the water, and both parents partake in rearing the young, who often ride on their parents' backs for safety. Grebes also play host to a variety of parasites, both internal and external, including an array of worms and lice. Preserving grebe populations requires attention to threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species. Without action, more species risk becoming extinct, similar to the unfortunate fate of lake-endemic relatives like the Alaotra grebe, the Atitlán grebe, and the Colombian grebe.

Regions

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.
58
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Species Categories

African & New World ParrotsAlbatrossesAnhingas, DartersAntbirdsAntpittasAntthrushesAustral Storm PetrelsBarn OwlsBlack-capped DonacobiusCaracaras, FalconsCardinals & AlliesChachalacas, Curassows, GuansChats, Old World FlycatchersCormorants, ShagsCotingasCrescentchestsCrows, JaysCuckoosDippersDucks, Geese, SwansFinches, EuphoniasFinfootsFlamingosFrigatebirdsGannets, BoobiesGnatcatchersGnateatersGrebesGulls, Terns, SkimmersHerons, BitternsHoatzinHummingbirdsIbises, SpoonbillsJacamarsJacanasKingfishersKites, Hawks, EaglesLarksLimpkinMagellanic PloverManakinsMitrospingid TanagersMockingbirds, ThrashersMotmotsNew World BarbetsNew World QuailNew World SparrowsNew World VulturesNew World WarblersNightjarsNorthern Storm PetrelsOilbirdOld World ParrotsOld World Sparrows, SnowfinchesOropendolas, Orioles, BlackbirdsOspreysOvenbirdsOwlsOystercatchersPainted-snipesPelicansPenguinsPetrels, Shearwaters, Diving PetrelsPheasants & AlliesPigeons, DovesPloversPotoosPuffbirdsRails, Crakes & CootsRheasSandpipers, SnipesSapayoaScreamersSeedsnipesSeriemasSheathbillsSkuasStarlings, RhabdornisStilts, AvocetsStone-curlews, Thick-kneesStorksSunbitternSwallows, MartinsSwiftsTanagers & AlliesTapaculosThrushesThrush-tanagerTinamousTityras, Becards, SharpbillToucan BarbetsToucansTrogonsTropicbirdsTrumpetersTyrant Flycatchers, CalypturaVireos, Greenlets, Shrike-babblersWagtails, PipitsWaxbills, Munias & AlliesWaxwingsWeavers, WidowbirdsWoodpeckersWrens

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
Bryan C
Clean and easy to use
Really enjoying this app, it's clean and easy to use. I love the ease of being able to add those one-off birds without starting a whole checklist. I also like the social aspect, like the parts of my Facebook I like, without the ads and junk, just birds. Can't wait to see it become more populated.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.