Little Grebe

In Which I Am (Regrettably) A Meanie

Once, my little sister (who was eight at the time) claimed she’d seen Little Grebes in Walpola Wæwa, a reservoir we used to visit on the way home to Bulugahagoda. I wasn’t there at the time, so I refused to believe her, thinking she was confused and probably making it up so she could brag about seeing a bird I hadn’t (bragging rights for seeing a new bird - they’re real). In retrospect, I realize I was being rather mean.

Walpola Wæwa

The next time we all went together, I was floored and more than a little embarrassed to see the little duck-like birds swimming amongst the sparse lily-pads, occasionally diving. There was no denying it - she was right. 

At least now we giggle about it.

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Little Grebes, in Sri Lanka, (Tachybaptus ruficollis) are found in lakes, reservoirs and marshes all over the lowlands. They’re usually a plain dark brown, but in their breeding season they’re a glossy steely color with chestnut-brown cheeks and neck.

Little Grebes at Thalangama Lake, 2018

Grebes, mind you, are not ducks, although they look rather similar. Their bills are pointed, unlike the latter’s flattened bills. Grebes are in a completely different taxonomic order (Podicipediformes, not Anseriformes). They’re excellent swimmers and divers, but fail at running because of the precise reason that they swim so well - their legs are situated far back on their bodies.

Little Grebe diving - Thalangama Lake, Colombo, 2018

Little Grebes prefer freshwater, and if you’re lucky you’ll get to hear its breeding call: a long, high pitched whinny, carrying across the lake on a calm morning.

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Note: The aforementioned little sister’s blog can be found here. Check it out, share, subscribe and follow!