Grebe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grebes |
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| Clark's Grebe, Aechmophorus clarkii | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| Phylum: | |
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| Infraclass: | |
| Order: |
Podicipediformes
Fürbringer, 1888
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| Family: |
Podicipedidae
Bonaparte, 1831
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| Genera | |
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| Diversity | |
| [[Grebe#Genera and species|1 Families, 6 Genera, 22 Species]] | |
A grebe is a medium-sized bird. They belong to the family Podicipedidae. There are 22 different species of grebes found around the world.
Contents
What Do Grebes Look Like?
Grebes are usually medium to large birds. But some, like the Little Grebe, are quite small. All grebes have big feet with special 'lobed' toes. This means each toe is separate, unlike the webbed feet of ducks. Their big feet help them swim and dive really well. But it also makes walking on land a bit tricky for them!
-_Breeding_plumage_W2_IMG_8770.jpg)
Grebes have narrow wings. Some grebes find it hard to fly long distances. Two species of grebes cannot fly at all! If a grebe is in danger, it will usually dive underwater instead of flying away.
Grebes can have long or short bills (beaks). Grebes with short bills usually eat insects from the water. Those with long, sharp bills often eat crustaceans, like crabs.
Most grebes are brown, white, and red or orange. They have many waterproof feathers. This helps them float easily and dive without getting cold or too wet. In spring and summer, many grebes grow orange crests on their heads. These bright colors help them attract a mate.
Grebe Life Cycle and Reproduction
Grebes build their nests from plants found in the water. These nests float on top of the water. When baby grebes hatch, they can swim right away! They are usually brown and white. They don't get their colorful orange crests until they are adults. Some grebes even do a special "dance" in the water to find a mate. This is called a mating ritual.
Where Do Grebes Live?
Grebes live in freshwater places, like lakes or rivers. Some species might go to saltwater areas, like the sea or ocean, when they are migrating. Migration is when birds fly to a different place for summer or winter.
Grebes only migrate if they live in North America, Europe, or Asia. Grebes in South America, Africa, and parts of Asia usually stay in one place. You can find grebes on every continent on earth!
Images for kids
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A grebe diving underwater.
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Scientists think grebes might be related to flamingos.
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A fossil of Juncitarsus merkeli, an ancient bird.
See also
In Spanish: Podicipédidos para niños
