Grebes (fam. Podicipedidae)

The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) until a few years ago was the only species of grebe reported in the examined area.
Recently was been observed two other species: the great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) and the red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena).
The little grebe is present all year round and breeding, the populations that breed are, at least in part, sedentary.
It attends wetlands rich in water and the presence of emergent marsh vegetation (stretches of river, irrigation ditches, canals, ponds, however small).
The breeding season begins in February and is quite long, with evidence collected from March to September. The nests are built on floating aquatic vegetation, often the eggs are not visible because the adults, before leaving the nest, cover them with rotting vegetation. During the colder months may be discrete concentrations along rivers and major bodies of water.