Dabchick
Gachybaptus ruficollis
Dabchicks are also known as Little Grebes. They are the smallest and commonest British Grebe. In summer the adult is mainly dark on top, with a rufous coloured neck, cheeks and flanks, and bright yellow pointed bill. During winter the colour changes to a dirty brownish-grey in non-breeding birds and there is usually a fluffy-looking rump. Juveniles have yellow black-tipped bills, and black and white streaks on the cheeks and sides of the neck. Nests are built on floating vegetation. The Little Grebe's breeding call is a repeated weet-weet-weet sounding like a whinnying horse. They dive to catch fish on which to feed. Chicks are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults although they can swim soon after hatching.
© Raymond Small TQ4590 12/12/2017
© Michael Trump TQ4792 11/10/2022