grebes
Freshwater diving birds
Grebes are freshwater diving birds with lobed toes and legs set far back on the body—an arrangement that makes them excellent swimmers but awkward on land.
They have sleek plumage and pointed bills.
Grebes are known for elaborate courtship displays where pairs dance across the water together.
We spotted a pair of grebes on the lake.
Scientific study of birds
- speciesFinest taxonomic rank
- loonsAquatic diving birds
- cootsDucklike diving birds
- biodiversityRange of life forms
Waterlogged land ecosystem
- marshGrassy waterlogged lowland
- pondSmall still body
- lakeEnclosed body of freshwater
- freshwaterNon-saline aquatic environment
brackish · reeds · cattails · waterfowl · swimming · floating · paddling · buoyancy
Plunge beneath liquid
- plungeSudden steep descent
- underwaterBelow the surface
- foragingSeeking wild food sources
- fishGilled aquatic vertebrate
predation · buoyancy · propulsion · depths · crustaceans · amphibians · hunting · surfacing
Bird's lightweight covering
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
- crestHighest point or tuft
- ruffsPleated period neckwear
waterproofing · downy · silvery-white · chestnut · ornamentation · barbs · preening · camouflage
Rapid forward movement
- monogamousMated to one only
- displayPresentation for viewing
- synchronizedOccurring at the same time
- territorialDefensive about owned space
ornithology
Scientific study of birds
wetland
Waterlogged land ecosystem
freshwater · brackish · reeds · cattails · waterfowl · swimming · floating · paddling · buoyancy · habitat
submerge
Plunge beneath liquid
- plungeSudden steep descent
- underwaterBelow the surface
- foragingSeeking wild food sources
fish · predation · buoyancy · propulsion · depths · crustaceans · amphibians · hunting · surfacing · breath-hold
feathers
Bird's lightweight covering
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
- crestHighest point or tuft
ruffs · waterproofing · downy · silvery-white · chestnut · ornamentation · barbs · preening · camouflage
rushing
Rapid forward movement
- monogamousMated to one only
- displayPresentation for viewing
- synchronizedOccurring at the same time
territorial · nesting · platform · chicks · vocalization · trills · calls