Editorial photo #9524242 Human Interest

Tachybaptus Ruficollis In India

The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), also known as dabchick, is a member of the grebe family of water birds. The genus name is from the Ancient Greek takhus ''fast'' and bapto ''to sink under''. Little grebes are the smallest among the Podicipedidae family measuring 25-29 cm in length and weighing 150-250 grams and have a habit of skulking around the edge of ponds and lakes. These birds feed mainly on insects, larvae, small fish, crustaceans, beetles and snails. In India, these birds are seen breeding in small colonies in the heavily vegetated areas of freshwater wetlands, lakes and ponds. Little grebes are roaming on the water of OxBow Lake known as 'Chupi Char' with their chicks (family) in search of food in East Burdawan, West Bengal; India, on January 29, 2023. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)