
Description
The Little Grebe is a small waterbird with predominantly dark brown plumage and chestnut-colored highlights on its neck and breast. During the breeding season, males display a distinct yellow patch at the base of their beak. It feeds mainly on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. The Little Grebe is known for its high-pitched, trilling calls, often uttered while in flight. It prefers aquatic habitats such as lakes, ponds, and rivers with dense vegetation. Nesting occurs in the spring, with the construction of a floating nest well hidden among the vegetation. It dives rapidly to escape predators; its Italian name derives from this characteristic.
The Situation in Italian-Speaking Switzerland
The Little Bittern is widely distributed throughout Switzerland’s lowland areas, with a moderate increase over the past two decades. In Ticino, a significant portion of the population is found in the Bolle di Magadino.
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