Least Grebe — Length: 9 inches, Wing span: 11 inches
The Least Grebe is the smallest grebe in North America, and occupies portions of southern Texas, although most of its range lies south of the U.S. Considered rare in the United States.
The small size of the Least Grebe, and its ability to take off from water more rapidly than other grebes allows it to use even small, temporary bodies of water.
Least Grebes form pairs during the breeding season, family groups in the fall, and may occur in small flocks in the winter. One source of mortality for Least Grebes in Texas is being trapped in ice when ponds freeze over, making them vulnerable to predators.
The Least Grebe is very small with grayish plumage and yellow eyes. Blackish crown and throat.
Least Grebes are somewhat dingier and browner in the winter, and have whitish throats.
Juveniles resemble adults but are browner.
Least Grebe in an aggressive posture. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
The body shape and behavior is clearly grebe-like. Might be confused with the Pied-billed Grebe, which is larger and has a different shape to the bill. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Pied-billed Grebes (below) can appear as black as the Least Grebe, but the shape of the billis different. Note the thinner look to the bill of the Least Grebes in silhouette above, compared to the shape of the Pied-billed Grebe. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
