Hull urban birds. 3. Little Grebe

The Little Grebe, also called Dabchick, is a small, dumpy bird that can be found in lakes and water courses. Adults in breeding season are dark brown, with chestnut-red neck and bright yellow spot at the base of the bill. In winter the plumage is more subdued, brown with paler chest and throat and a dark cap. They feed on small fish, snails, tadpoles and invertebrates which they obtain by diving. When disturbed, they dive or hide in marginal vegetation, so they can be quite unobtrusive. However, in the breeding season their loud trilling call make them much easier to record.

Little Grebes in Hull

Little Grebe used to be quite rare within the Hull boundary. However, they winter in the Hull drains and Bransholme Reservoir. Recently, I've been regularly finding them on two stretches of the Beverley and Barmston Drain, with a count of six today, my top count in the area. Last year I got a record at Noddle Hill. In recent years they have become more regular at East Park, with one or two individuals present (top shot). They successfully bred in the park 2018.

A grown chick at East Park Boating lake, 31 August 2018.

Conservation

Little Grebes used to be in the amber list due to population declines, a recent increasing trend meant that now they are green-listed.

Two of three individuals at Beverley and Barmston drain near Sculcoates road (23 January 2021).

Young with stickleback at East Park boating lake, 28th September 2020.

Little Grebe at Noddle Hill lake. 14th December 2020.

Adult in breeding plumage at Beverley and Barmston drain near Beresford Avenue, 30th July 2020.

More information

Little Grebe. BTO Bird facts.
Broughton, Richard K. Birds of the Hull Area.