madagascar grebe Tachybaptus pelzelnii

Small, dark grebe that is endemic to Madagascar. The neck is rufous and white in breeding plumage and buff in non-breeding plumage. Juvenile has a bridled head pattern. Found very locally on the open water of lakes and ponds. Call is a long, dry rattle, often given in duet by a pair. Similar to Little Grebe, but generally much less common, especially at lower elevations. In breeding plumage, Madagascar Grebe is identified by its white throat patch. In non-breeding plumage, hard to distinguish from Little Grebe, but usually still shows a pale patch on the throat.