This sweet little face is the bird of the year 2024

Birdlife Switzerland has named the little grebe Bird of the Year 2024. The smallest local water bird and ‘little ball of feathers in our waters and wetlands’ is a symbol of good water, according to the organization.

The little grebe can be found in Switzerland all year round, Bridlife announced on Thursday. The bird with the striking trill therefore prefers water with a lot of bank vegetation and a good weed layer under water with muddy soil. But it should not be too deep, but it should be clear so that he can see his prey. The little grebe feeds mainly on insects and their larvae; in winter it switches to small fish such as sculpins or perches.

The water bird spends its breeding season from April to June mainly at lower altitudes on the Swiss plateau, as mentioned in the statement. Next, its distinctive trill is used for courtship, which it also uses for territory defense. In addition to its voice, the little grebe impresses the opposite sex with various dives and impressive maneuvers. The resulting five chicks are initially transported on their backs.

Despite its wide distribution, the little grebe is not entirely worry-free: according to Birdlife it is on the Swiss warning list of the Red List of Threatened Species. According to the organization, existing water bodies must be kept in good condition to protect them. (sda)