Least Grebe
Schwarzkopf Grebe ( Tachybaptus dominicus )
The Schwarzkopf Grebe ( Tachybaptus dominicus ) is the smallest species of the family of grebes. The species occurs in Baja California, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. There are five subspecies, which differ mainly in their size. The population of the species is stable and is classified by the IUCN as not at risk ( least concern ).
Appearance
Schwarzkopf divers reach depending on the subspecies has a length of 21-27 centimeters and a weight of 112-180 grams. The plumage of adult animals is brownish to rußfarben, the beak and the eyes dark yellow. Like all grebes, the legs are relatively far back on the body even at the Schwarzkopf divers, making the way to winning floats, locomotion on land but more difficult.
The juveniles of Schwarzkopf diver White streaks on the head. Her eyes are brown, and become lighter over time. The throat is white.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution of the five subspecies of Schwarzkopf diver extends over Baja California, Central America, the Caribbean and South America:
- T. d dominicus: northern Caribbean, including Bahamas, Greater Antilles and Virgin Islands
- T. d brachypterus: southern Texas, Mexico to Panama
- T. d Bangsi: southern Baja California, Mexico
- D T. speciosus: Argentina and southern Brazil
- T. d iron manni: in the plains of western Ecuador ( the subspecies is not universally accepted )
Schwarzkopf divers use a variety of different wetland habitats. These range from smaller ponds over large lakes to rivers, marshes and mangrove swamps. But even irrigation ditches and artificial lakes in agriculture are used. Schwarzkopf divers prefer above all sites with dense vegetation.
All subspecies of Schwarzkopf divers are considered non-migratory birds. A local spread occurs mainly after the rainy season, when the birds colonize newly created wetlands. The animals move on then once a wetland dries out in summer.
Food and foraging
Schwarzkopf divers feed mainly on insects and other invertebrates. The food spectrum ranges from water beetles, water bugs, spiders and dragonflies on small fish and crustaceans. Most prey animals are included diving, where the diving operation, a search may be preceded, in which the Schwarzkopf diver glides with dipped head above the surface of the water. In addition, prey is also added to the water surface. So eat Schwarzkopf diver on the water floating food and hunt sometimes present in the flying insects.
Reproduction
The propagation of the Schwarzkopf divers mostly made from April to August instead, having been found in Texas over the entire year nests containing eggs even in January and December. In the tropics, breed animals especially during the rainy season.
The nest consists of 4-6 eggs from which the chicks hatch after an incubation period of around 21 days. Often 2-3 broods per year are raised.