Little Grebe water bird Life style

Little Grebe Water Bird Lifestyle

Little Greb. The scientific name is Podicheps ruficolis. It looks like a duck, but its beak is round and sharp. But the feet are not like the duck. When the hindquarters are raised above the water, it is sharp and contrasts with the duck. This bird migrates to ponds in Kerala for six months and is found only in water bodies. Fish and aquatic life are the main food. Among the 4-5 species of grebes present in India, little grebe is the smallest, says ornithologist and former director of the Bombay Natural History Society, Dr Asad Rahmani. Fully grown adults are about 20-25 cm long and have a lifespan of 10-15 years. They are also lightweight and weigh less than 200 gm. Dark brown. The sides of the throat and neck are reddish in color. The white color of the wings is visible only when flying. The sound of the rooster is of two kinds. It is usually pronounced as 'Feet'. But when they mate, they sing long songs. 'Cleo-li-li-li-li'.The nest is made of aquatic plants close to the pond. The nest is made of juicy leaves, sugarcane, and grass. The nest, which does not protrude much from the water, is always wet. Lays eggs in July-August. Lays five eggs.