Little Grebe with two chicks.

The Little Grebe ( Tachybaptus ruficollis ) is a water bird of the family of the grebes. At 23 to 29 cm, it is the smallest grebe in Europe and one of the smallest grebes in the world. Despite being a fairly common species, it is rarely seen due to its shy lifestyle.
The little grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver and pursues its fish and aquatic invertebrate prey underwater. It uses the vegetation skilfully as a hiding place.
Like all grebes, it nests at the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back it cannot walk well. Usually four to seven eggs are laid. When the adult bird leaves the nest it usually takes care to cover the eggs with weeds. This makes it less likely to be detected by predators. The young leave the nest and can swim soon after hatching, and chicks are often carried on the backs of the swimming adults.
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