Little grebe / Zwergtaucher (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Zwergtaucher. 2022-06-25 12.07.24 La Sauge
Classification: Genus Tachybaptus; Family Grebes (Podicipedidae)
General: The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), also known as dabchick, is a member of the grebe family of water birds. The genus name is from Ancient Greek takhus "fast" and bapto "to sink under". The specific ruficollis is from Latin rufus "red" and Modern Latin -collis, "-necked", itself derived from Latin collum "neck".^[2] [more]
Vocalization: Relatively vocal compared to many other grebes. [Link]
Calls: Call; sometimes a single quite clear high pitched "dydlylyyt". More often combined into longer phrases with harsher quality, oscillating like laughter and travelling up and down in pitch in agitated motion. Reminiscent of female Cuckoo. [Link]
Physical details: length=25-29 cm, wingspan=40-45 cm, weight=140-193 g
Habitats: River and lake

First documented observation : 2009-10-22 in Gqeberha (former Port Elisabeth).