Birds
White-tufted Grebe
Rollandia rolland · also called Rolland's grebe
Flashing a fan of golden-white feathers behind each eye during the breeding season, a white-tufted grebe dives for small fish and invertebrates across lakes ranging from coastal lagoons to high Andean plateaus.
Overview
The white-tufted grebe, Rollandia rolland, is a Least Concern waterbird native to wetland habitat across southern South America and the Andes. Its striking golden ear tufts, unusually broad elevational range, and compact, calm-water build make it one of the more visually distinctive and geographically adaptable grebe species found anywhere in South America.
A splash of gold on a calm lake
Set against otherwise dark plumage, the white-tufted grebe’s golden ear tufts stand out clearly on the calm lakes and lagoons it favours, a breeding-season flourish that makes it one of the more visually striking grebes sharing its wide South American range.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable wetland habitat throughout southern and Andean South America.
White-tufted Grebe: common questions
Why is it called the white-tufted grebe?
This species displays a striking fan of golden-white feathers behind each eye during the breeding season, a feature that gives the species its common name.
How high in elevation can the white-tufted grebe be found?
This species is found across a wide elevational range, from lowland coastal lagoons all the way up to high-altitude Andean lakes.
How does the white-tufted grebe build its nest?
This species constructs a floating nest anchored to aquatic vegetation, allowing the nest to rise and fall safely with changing water levels rather than being fixed to the shoreline.
What kind of water does the white-tufted grebe prefer?
This species has a compact, rounded body well suited to foraging in calm lakes, lagoons, and marshes rather than fast-flowing or rough water.