Grebes are small to medium-large in size, have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. Although they can run for a short distance, they are prone to falling over, since they have their feet placed far back on the body. Grebes have narrow wings, and some species are reluctant to fly; indeed, two South American species are completely flightless. They respond to danger by diving rather than flying, and are in any case much less wary than ducks. Extant species range in size from the least grebe, at 120 grams (4.3 oz) and 23.5 cm (9.3 inches), to the great grebe, at 1.7 kg (3.8 lbs) and 71 cm (28 inches). Learn more about Grebe
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Grebe Species Videos
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Common Name | Scientific Name | Conservation Status |
Australasian Grebe (66 videos) | Tachybaptus novaehollandiae | Least concern |
Clark's Grebe (2 videos) | Aechmophorus clarkii | Least concern |
Great Crested Grebe (50 videos) | Podiceps cristatus | Least concern |
Great Grebe (48 videos) | Podiceps major | Least concern |
Hoary-headed Grebe (311 videos) | Poliocephalus poliocephalus | Least concern |
Horned Grebe (13 videos) | Podiceps auritus | Vulnerable |
Little Grebe (8 videos) | Tachybaptus ruficollis | Least concern |
Pied-billed Grebe (46 videos) | Podilymbus podiceps | Least concern |
Western Grebe (29 videos) | Aechmophorus occidentalis | Least concern |