The Colombian grebe is an extinct species of flightless grebe that inhabited the Bogotá wetlands on the Bogotá savanna in the Eastern Ranges of the Andes of Colombia. The species was still abundant in Lake Tota in 1945. The species has often been considered a subspecies of black-necked grebe, and is genetically nested within it; it differed from black-necked grebe most notably in having a reddish-brown foreneck, and more orangey-toned ear tufts.
Region
Eastern Andes of Colombia
Typical Environment
Formerly restricted to high-altitude lakes and marshes on the Bogotá savanna, including wetlands around Bogotá and Lake Tota. It favored shallow waters with extensive emergent vegetation such as reeds and sedges for nesting and cover. Open patches of water adjacent to dense vegetation were used for foraging dives. Water quality degradation and wetland drainage fragmented and eliminated much of its habitat.
Altitude Range
2,500–3,100 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the Bogotá savanna of Colombia, this grebe was last reliably recorded in 1977 and is now extinct. It was often treated as a subspecies of the black-necked grebe and is genetically nested within that species, but it differed in having a reddish-brown foreneck and orangey ear tufts. Habitat loss, water pollution, and changes in prey communities (including effects of introduced trout) likely drove its decline. It was effectively flightless, relying on dense emergent vegetation and open water for cover and foraging.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
flightless; moved by diving and short patters over water
Social Behavior
Typically observed in pairs or small groups on vegetated lakes. Likely formed monogamous pairs with courtship displays involving head-shaking and vocal duets. Nests were floating platforms anchored to emergent vegetation, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of trills, chattering notes, and thin whistles, often given as duets between mates. Calls carried over calm water and intensified during the breeding season.
