Photo: paul_prior / CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Madagascar Grebe
Tachybaptus pelzelnii
Madagascar Grebe (Tachybaptus pelzelnii) — Grebes, Loons & Flamingos of Africa.
The Madagascar Grebe (Tachybaptus pelzelnii) is a member of the Podicipedidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 184 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Endangered.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Podicipediformes
- Family Podicipedidae Grebes
- Genus Tachybaptus
- Species pelzelnii
Quick facts
- Weight
- 184 g
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Podicipedidae
- Order
- Podicipediformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Madagascar Grebe hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of wetlands, it swims and feeds in and around water.
Migration
The Madagascar Grebe is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Madagascar Grebe (Tachybaptus pelzelnii) belongs to the Podicipedidae family of the order Podicipediformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF Madagascar.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 184 g, with a wing length of about 9.4 cm and a tail of around 2.8 cm.
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 591,000 km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Madagascar Grebe?
The Madagascar Grebe is a large bird that weighs around 184 g.
Where does the Madagascar Grebe live?
The Madagascar Grebe is found across Africa with a range covering AF Madagascar, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Madagascar Grebe belong to?
The Madagascar Grebe (Tachybaptus pelzelnii) belongs to the Podicipedidae family, in the order Podicipediformes.
What does the Madagascar Grebe eat?
The Madagascar Grebe hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Madagascar Grebe migrate?
The Madagascar Grebe is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Madagascar Grebe endangered?
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
What sound does the Madagascar Grebe make?
1 real field recording of the Madagascar Grebe — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Madagascar Grebe's range?
The Madagascar Grebe has a mapped global range of about 591,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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