The Little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), also known as dabchick, is the smallest European member of its family. It readily dives when disturbed, surfacing unseen some distance away. The adult is unmistakable in summer, predominantly dark above with its rich rufous colour neck, cheeks and flanks, and bright yellow gape. The rufous is replaced by a dirty brownish grey in non-breeding and juvenile birds. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it cannot walk well.
