Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Smallest British grebe of lakes and reservoirs

Habitat: well vegetated lakes, rivers and reservoirs; occurs during winter in coastal areas

Widespread and common resident

In summer has rust-red cheeks, neck and throat with yellow spot at base of bill; in winter paler, buffy colour

Swims, dives and occasionally flies

Flight laborious and poor

Nest is a floating mound of vegetation in water

2 Broods April – July; 4-6 white eggs

Eats fish, insects, crustaceans and molluscs