Family Podicipedidae

Family Podicipedidae

Podicipedidae are the family of aquatic birds known commonly as Grebes. They are smaller than Loons, but built in much the same way. Their Latin name means "belonging to the order with feet on their behinds". Grebes have their legs so far back on their bodies they can hardly walk on land. In fact, none of the six species found in North America even walk on shore to nest. They lay their eggs on floating mats of vegetation. They swim and dive really well, and their chicks can swim as soon as they hatch, so they are much safer on the water. Grebes feed on fish, and are really best adapted to spend their life on and under the water. Even flying is hard for them. It's quite a sight to see one running frantically across the water for several seconds before he gets up enough speed to take off. Even then, he has to flap his wings like crazy to stay up. If you see a Grebe on the water, don't scare him - he has to work too hard to get away from you. [LH] {BI}