Description:
Approximately 30 cm in length. This is a small grebe with black and white plumage. It resembles the little grebe ( Tachybaptus ruficollis ) when it fluffs its feathers, but the contrast between the colors is more pronounced. The forehead is more sloped, and the bill slightly upturned. During the breeding season: a prominent yellow patch is visible on the sides of the head, and the neck is black. Outside the breeding season: the crown is black and extends behind the eyes.
Distribution:
Northern Vietnam, South-Central and North-Central Vietnam, the Central Highlands, and Southern Vietnam. In Vietnam, this species is common in lowland areas, midland regions, and mountainous areas. Numerous specimens have been collected in Phú Thọ, Hòa Bình, Sơn La, Lai Châu, Bắc Cạn, Lạng Sơn, and small ponds in the Trường Sơn Mountains (Central Vietnam). Their habitat primarily consists of ponds, lakes, and marshes.
Status:
Resident species, common.