Little grebe

Description:

Tiny waterbird. In breeding plumage shows chestnut cheeks and neck and green spot at base of bill. Plumage otherwise dark brown except for white powderpuff of feathers at rear end. In winter, has brown upperparts and buff underparts.

Habitat:

Builds floating nest of plants. Swims buoyantly and dives well. Found on lakes and slow-flowing rivers. In winter, also on sheltered coasts. Local across region.