Tachybaptus dominicus brachypterus

(Chapman, 1899)

Vernacular names
English : Least grebe
French : Grèbe minime

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Podicipediformes
Family : Podicipedidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach 26 cm in length for a weight of 130 g. Unmistakable with its dark slaty-grey plumage with slightly darker cap and browner tinge on back and flanks. Clearer rump and belly. Bright yellow to orange eyes. Black bill.

Range and habitat
The species occurs from extreme south Texas and Baja California to coastal Mexico and Caribbean, south to South Brazil and north Argentina. Subspecies found from south Texas to Mexico and Panama. Lives in inland freshwater areas with abundant vegetation, to over 2500 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is very local but quite adaptable. Some populations are declining because of water pollution, destruction of habitat and egg collecting.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Wild (Brownsville TX, USA)

 

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