General

Least Grebe: Smallest of North America's grebes. Eyes dark yellow , plumage is dark black-gray, white undertail coverts and white wing patch in flight. In winter shows white throat, in summer a dark throat. Seldom fly and rarely leave nesting places. When not nesting found in small flocks. Females similar, juveniles are glossy brown-black with striping on head.

Range and Habitat

Least Grebe: Found in southern Texas, Mexico, Rio Grande valley, Baja California, Arizona, Louisiana, South Florida, Central America and northern Argentina. Habitats include fresh and brackish water, from small ponds to lakes, ditches, marshes and slower moving parts of rivers.

Breeding and Nesting

Least Grebe: Multi-brooded, will nest in any season if conditions are suitable. Lays two to seven white to pale blue green eggs. Builds a floating nest of vegetation anchored to reeds. Incubation lasts for 21 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Least Grebe: Eats insects, primarily aquatic, small fish, tadpoles, snails, and above water insects. Like all grebes, also eat their own feathers, which may protect the gastrointestinal track from sharp fish bones.

Vocalization

Least Grebe: Emits a loud, nasal, high pitched "beeeek" or high pitched buzzy, chattering "vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv."

Similar Species

Least Grebe: Pied-billed Grebe is smilar but has a thicker bill and brown crown, nape and back and darker eyes. Other grebes are larger and have very different plumage.