A very small, compact, dark grebe, restricted to South Texas. Body is all brownish gray, with lighter gray tuft on the sides, especially apparent when fluffed and relaxed; bill is short and slender with a pale whitish tip. Its rather piercing eye is bright yellow. In alternate plumage, adult has black face, forehead, throat, and bill. In basic plumage, throat is white, and base of bill is pale. Juvenile is like basic adult with contrasting stripes on face behind eye. In flight, note white wing stripes.

Length: 24 (cm) Wingspan: 28 (cm)

Voice:

Nasal, buzzy single notes, chattering.

Habitat:

Ponds and other small bodies of water with floating vegetation.

Behavior:

Rather secretive, often hides and swims among plants. Nest is a floating mass of vegetation. Young ride on parent's back when small.

Feeding:

Dives and swims to catch small fish and other aquatic organisms; also picks prey from water's surface.