Little Grebe in the evening light

The Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) is a small water bird occurring in much of Europe, Africa, and Asia (up to Indonesia). Individuals breed in densely vegetated lakes or rivers, but enter open or coastal areas during the winter. The birds are excellent divers and search for prey underwater. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic animals including insects, molluscs, crustaceans, amphibians, and small fish. I have photographed a number of Little Grebes during a sunny sunday afternoon at the coast of northern Germany in February 2015. During this time of the year, the birds have their duller non-breeding plumage. In the summer months, they are darker with a rufous neck and cheeks.

Little Grebe in the evening light

Little Grebe in the evening light

Little Grebe

Little Grebe

diving for food

tasty shrimp for dinner

Little Grebe

Little Grebe

Little Grebe

Little Grebe

Little Grebe

Little Grebe

Little Grebe