Despite a wide distribution over much of the New World, the behavior of the Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) is still poorly known, and most ecological studies have been performed on Northern Hemisphere subspecies. This note reports two observations during breeding in the South American subspecies T. d. brachyrhynchus. Deliberate egg-covering to hide an active nest from an approaching threat was observed, coupled with elusive “hiding” behavior during an opportunistic breeding attempt in a novel habitat (xeric Chaco). Photographic documentation of egg destruction by a domestic Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) at a Least Grebe nest is also reported.
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15 September 2020
Nesting Observations on a South American Subspecies of Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus brachyrhynchus)
Paul Smith,
Sylvia Centrón
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Waterbirds
Vol. 43 • No. 3-4
September 2020
Vol. 43 • No. 3-4
September 2020
Chaco
egg destruction
egg-covering
Least Grebe
Muscovy duck
nest defense
trill call