Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis
Fairly common but often inconspicuous small diving bird of wetlands with bordering reeds and other vegetation. Often remains out of sight; less often out on open water (mainly in winter). Rather compact, with rounded head, puffy rear end. Seen mainly as singles and small loose flocks, often sleeping during the day. Breeding plumage often looks dark overall; in good light note dark rusty head and neck sides with yellow patch at base of bill. Nonbreeding plumage dingy pale brownish overall with dark cap.
Identification
The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), also known as the dabchick, is a member of the grebe family of water birds. The genus name is from Ancient Greek takhus "fast" and bapto "to sink under". The specific ruficollis is from Latin rufus "red" and Modern Latin -collis, "-necked", itself derived from Latin collum "neck". At 23 to 29 centimetres (9 to 11+1⁄2 inches) in length it is the smallest European, Asian, and African member of its family. It is commonly found in open bodies of water across most of its range.
Taxonomy
Genus: Tachybaptus; Family: Podicipedidae; Order: Podicipediformes.
- Scientific name
- Tachybaptus ruficollis
- Order
- Podicipediformes
- Family
- Podicipedidae
- Genus
- Tachybaptus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Striated Fieldwren
Calamanthus fuliginosus
Small bird with heavy streaking and long cocked tail. Olive-brown overall with pale throat. Inhabits dense heath, grasslands, and salt marsh. Forages quietly on the ground or in thick vegetation, where difficult to see. Easiest to observe when males sing in spring, as they perch up in the vegetation. Tasmania and in coastal areas between Adelaide and Sydney.
Aztec Thrush
Ridgwayia pinicola
Rather stocky, boldly patterned thrush of highland pine-oak and fir forest. Endemic to western and central Mexico. Found singly or in flocks, often associating with other thrushes at fruiting trees and bushes. Despite its striking plumage, can be difficult to see as its plumage blends well in sun-dappled foliage. Usually rather quiet, and can sit still for long periods. Male has blackish hood and upperparts with bold white patterning on wings and tail. Female paler and more grayish in areas where male is black.
Lesser Coucal
Centropus bengalensis
A dark, rather sturdy cuckoo of scrubby habitats, reedbeds, forest edge, and agricultural areas. Adults black with bright chestnut wings and fine silvery streaking on neck and shoulders. Immatures a grayish brown above, paler below, with dull chestnut wings and a brown-and-black barred tail. Similar to Greater Coucal but significantly smaller, with a dark (instead of red) eye and duller chestnut back and wings with silver streaks. Song is a distinctive series of sharp notes, with the crescendo cadence of a bouncing ball.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.