Malaysian Birds - Little Grebe

Grebe comes from the group of birds under Podicipedidae - aquatic duck like, longish neck with almost no tail birds. They have legs near the end of body with web feet.

Worldwide there are 21 species of these birds and 3 of them found in South-east Asia. We have one in Malaysia, the Little Grebe. This Duck is found in Africa, across southern Asia and reaching east to Japan and south to the Solomon Islands. It is less then 28 cm long.

The Little Grebe has its legs placed too far behind in the body, not surprising that the bird could hardly walk on land.  It is a terrific swimmer and hunter especially under water. The duck lays between 4-7 eggs. It has the habit of covering its eggs in the nest with vegetation when its leaves to go hunting. When the chicks are hatched they could swim instantly but also often seen the chicks riding on the back of the swimming adult.

Little Grebe's picture No. 1

Little Grebe's picture No. 2

Little Grebe's picture No. 3

Little Grebe's picture No. 4

Little Grebe's picture No. 5

Little Grebe's picture No. 6

Little Grebe's picture No. 7

Little Grebe's picture No. 8

Little Grebe's picture No. 9

Little Grebe's picture No. 10

Little Grebe's picture No. 11

Little Grebe's picture No. 12

Little Grebe's picture No.13

This is a very common waterbird, found in almost all natural ponds of the wilderness. A very smart bird to feed undisturbed, by staying in a spot far way from the banks. When uncomfortable, it just dive and emerges some distances away. Easy to get their pictures but not so lucky to get good ones.