Madagascan grebe [SEP] IUCN conservation status
.
The Madagascan grebe probably feeds mostly on insects, but is also known to take small fish and crustaceans. It is generally sedentary, but will move in search of more suitable habitat. The breeding season may span the months of August to March. Although breeding pairs are typically territorial, communally nesting groups of 150 individuals have been recorded. Nests are built on a floating structure of aquatic plants, anchored to offshore vegetation, normally waterlilies.
Threats.
The Madagascan grebe is currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN
Madagascan grebe
The Madagascan grebe ("Tachybaptus pelzelnii") is a grebe found only in western and central Madagascar. The binomial name commemorates the Austrian ornithologist August von Pelzeln. It is classified as endangered by the IUCN, with a population of less than 5,000. It is threatened by habitat loss, predation by carnivorous fish, and competition with introduced species.
Description.
The Madagascan grebe is around 25 cm long. It can be identified in its breeding plumage, consisting of a blackish cap and line down