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Photo: © Colección Nacional de Aves ICN-UNAL eBird S177022295
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Colombian Grebe

Podiceps andinus
Zambullidor Bogotano
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Song

Colombian Grebe

Appearance: The Colombian Grebe is a medium-sized waterbird. Last reported in La Tota Lake near Bogota. Black head, golden ear-tufts tinged chestnut above dusky, foreneck and underparts rich dark rufus; eyes red. It has a slender body, a long neck, and a pointed, slightly upturned bill. Its plumage is mostly gray with a white face and throat, and during breeding season, it may exhibit some black or reddish coloration on its head and neck. 
Habitat: The Colombian Grebe is a high-altitude species found in alpine lakes and marshes in the Andean region. It prefers clear, freshwater habitats with emergent vegetation for nesting and cover. 
Behavior: Colombian Grebes are skilled swimmers and divers, feeding on fish, insects, and other aquatic prey. They are known for their territorial behavior and are often seen in pairs or small groups within their home range.
Breeding: Breeding season for Colombian Grebes occurs during the wet season, with pairs building floating nests near the water's edge. Both parents share incubation duties and care for the young grebes. They are known for their elaborate courtship displays. 
Conservation Status: The Colombian Grebe is considered Critically Endangered to extinct species and is also one of the rarest grebe species globally.

Distribution

Eastern Andes: The Colombian Grebe is found in the Eastern Andes of Colombia, particularly in high-altitude lakes and marshes in the Cundinamarca, and Boyacá departments. 
Sumapaz Páramo: The Sumapaz Paramo, located in the Cundinamarca department, is a key area for the Colombian Grebe. This unique high-altitude ecosystem supports a population of Colombian Grebes and is essential for their continued survival.

Taxonomy

The Colombian Grebe (Podiceps andinus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Podicipediformes
  • Family: Podicipedidae
  • Genus: Podiceps
  • Species: Podiceps andinus

Vocalization

Tremolo Call: A tremolo call is a common vocalization among grebes. It is a rapid, high-pitched trill often used for communication between mates or during territorial disputes. 
Wailing Call: The wailing call is a plaintive, mournful-sounding vocalization that grebes use during courtship rituals and displays.
Whinny Call: The whinny call is a softer, high-pitched series of notes used by grebes for communication and in proximity to other individuals.
Contact Calls: Grebes also use soft contact calls to maintain contact with their mate or offspring while swimming together.
Aggression Calls: Grebes may produce aggressive calls or vocalizations during territorial disputes or interactions with other individuals.