GREBE, the name for aquatic birds of the family Podi cipedidae, containing several genera including Podiceps and Centropelma. Grebes are distinguished by the rudimentary tail, the legs placed far back on the body for diving, the flattened tarsi to diminish water resistance. and the elongated toes fur nished with broad lobes of skin in lieu of webs.
Of the five European species, P. ruficollis is the well-known little grebe or dabchick, which has a wide range in the Old World. The great crested grebe (P. cristatus) is also a wide-ranging species. The subarctic red-necked grebe (P. griseigena) inhabits Europe and America, as does P. auritus, the horned or Slavonian grebe. Various other species inhabit North America, among which may be mentioned the western grebe (Aechrnophorus occidentalis) with a long slender neck and black and white plumage; and the pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), the best known grebe in eastern U.S.A. Several more are found in South America, of which the most remarkable is the flightless C. inicropterus of Lake Titicaca.
The plumage, short and close, is usually some shade of brown above, white and glossy below. All species of Podiceps are good flyers. The nest consists of a mass of water-weeds, in a shallow cup on which the chalky white eggs are laid, the parent covering them before leaving the nest. The eggs are usually quite wet, but the heat of the decaying vegetation helps to keep the temperature up. The young are clad in striped black, white, and brown down.
The parents are often seen carrying the young on their back. If danger threatens they take them under their wings and dive with them.
Most species develop special nuptial adornments in the spring in both sexes, in the form of crests or tufts, and very remarkable mutual courtship ceremonies have been described (see COURT