Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Windermere
Season
Year-round. Small. Dives.
Best time of day
Morning. Active on water.
Lake District
Windermere. Ullswater. Smaller water bodies. That trill. Small. They dive. Fluffy rear. Common.
UK population
Around 5,300 pairs.
Overview
Little grebes are small. That trill. Windermere. Ullswater. They dive. Fluffy rear. Dabchick. Common. Easy to miss. They're small.
At a Glance
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Habitat | Lakes · Ponds · Slow rivers |
| Diet | Insects, small fish. Dives. |
| UK population | Around 5,300 pairs. |
| Lake District | Windermere. Ullswater. Smaller water bodies. That trill. Small. They dive. Fluffy rear. Common. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Lakes and ponds. Windermere, Ullswater, smaller tarns. That trill. Small. Fluffy.
Identification
Small grebe. Rufous neck. Fluffy rear. Trill call. Dives. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Lakes. Smaller water. That trill. They dive. Common.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.