Adult © John C. Mittermeier eBird S52757658 Macaulay Library ML 141599251
Juvenile © Charley Hesse TROPICAL BIRDING
Adult © Sam Woods
Adult © Nigel Voaden
Adult © Nigel Voaden

Madagascar Grebe Tachybaptus pelzelnii

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Identification

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Small, dark grebe that is endemic to Madagascar. The neck is rufous and white in breeding plumage and buff in non-breeding plumage. Juvenile has a bridled head pattern. Found very locally on the open water of lakes and ponds. Call is a long, dry rattle, often given in duet by a pair. Similar to Little Grebe, but generally much less common, especially at lower elevations. In breeding plumage, Madagascar Grebe is identified by its white throat patch. In non-breeding plumage, hard to distinguish from Little Grebe, but usually still shows a pale patch on the throat.

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