UK Wildlife

Little Grebe Freshwater Diving Specialist

The little grebe is the smallest UK grebe and the most widespread freshwater diver, found on still and slow-moving waters from garden ponds to reservoirs, with a trilling call.

Key Facts

Little grebe is UK's smallest diving bird, barely larger than a blackbird
UK breeding population around 5,000 pairs on freshwater with marginal vegetation
High-pitched trilling call announces breeding territories in spring
Builds floating nest platform anchored to emergent vegetation
Dives for small fish, aquatic invertebrates and tadpoles

Welfare Considerations

Little grebe welfare depends on water quality and marginal vegetation at freshwater sites. Pollution reducing fish and invertebrate prey affects breeding success. Cold winters reduce availability of small fish at the surface. Garden ponds with connecting habitat help urban populations.

What You Can Do

Maintain good water quality at local freshwater sites for little grebes
Create wildlife-friendly garden ponds connected to surrounding habitat
Record little grebe through BTO Garden BirdWatch and waterbird surveys