The Titicaca grebe, also known as the Titicaca flightless grebe or short-winged grebe, is a grebe found on the altiplano of Peru and Bolivia. As its name implies, its main population occurs on Lake Titicaca. Lake Uru Uru and Poopó, the Rio Desaguadero, and small lakes that connect to Lake Titicaca in wet years, serve as "spillovers" territory. In the past, the population was larger and several of these lakes – such as Lakes Umayo and Arapa – apparently had and may still have permanent large colonies. It is sometimes placed in Podiceps or a monotypic genus Centropelma. Its local name is zampullín del Titicaca.
Region
Central Andes Altiplano
Typical Environment
The core range is Lake Titicaca, with additional occurrences on connected waterbodies such as Lakes Uru Uru and Poopó and along the Río Desaguadero during wet years. It occupies shallow to moderately deep high-Andean lakes with extensive stands of totora reeds, which it uses for both feeding and nesting. Birds are largely confined to reed-fringed shorelines and channels but will forage in adjacent open water. Historical colonies existed on nearby lakes such as Umayo and Arapa, though current occupancy there is variable.
Altitude Range
3600–4100 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Titicaca flightless or short-winged grebe, it is virtually flightless and endemic to the Lake Titicaca basin of Peru and Bolivia. It favors dense totora reed beds and is highly vulnerable to gill-net bycatch and habitat alteration. Its primary prey are native Orestias pupfishes, which have declined due to introduced trout and environmental change. The species has been placed in Rollandia, though historically it was sometimes assigned to Podiceps or even a monotypic genus.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
flightless; strong diver that runs across the water surface when alarmed
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups within territories in dense reeds. Builds floating nests anchored to totora stems; both parents incubate and brood. Chicks often ride on the backs of adults, especially soon after hatching. Pair duets are common and help maintain territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, cackling series and yelping duets that carry over water. Calls include sharp barks and chatter, especially during breeding and territorial interactions.
