Little grebe / Zwergtaucher (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Zwergtaucher, Bannriet. 2024-06-21 08:22:26 Bannriet, SG

Observations

First documented observation: 2009-10-22 in South Africa. Most recent observation: 2025-07-17 in Kaltbrunner-Riet.

Description

Classification: Genus Tachybaptus (Tachybaptus); Family Grebes (Podicipedidae)
General: The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), also known as 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".^[2] [more]
Deutschland: Brut-, Jahres-, Zugvogel, Wintergast
Vocalization: Relatively vocal compared to many other grebes. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Breeding: 04-11 - 08-18
Migration in: 02-20 - 05-01
Migration out: 06-29 - 11-26
More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=25-29 cm, wingspan=40-45 cm, weight=140-193 g
Habitats: River and lake

Vocalisation

Song: Der Gesang ist ein lautes, hohes Trillern. Männchen und Weibchen tragen ihn häufig im Duett vor. [Link]
Song attributes: Melody: simple rhythmic, fast, Frequency: 1-5 KHz
Calls: Call; sometimes a single quite clear high pitched "dydlylyyt". More often combined into longer phrases with harsher quality, oscillating like laughter and travelling up and down in pitch in agitated motion. Reminiscent of female Cuckoo. [Link] No details but a Xeno-Canto recording. - but really OWN
Zwergtaucher in bannriet, SG - ich habe ihn überrascht, er hat diesen panischen Ruf gemacht und ist dann getaucht und verschwunden - herrlich!

Zwergtaucher in bannriet, SG - ich habe ihn überrascht, er hat diesen panischen Ruf gemacht und ist dann getaucht und verschwunden - herrlich! Bannriet, SG 2024-06-20 19:23:00 ♫ 2024-06-20 19:23:00 Bannriet, SG (call)

Call attributes: song Frequency: ,