Falklands resident breeder. P.r. rolland is restricted to the Falklands. Falklands 'Black' grebe. Length: 28 - 36 cm ( 11 -14 inches). White- tufted grebes are widely distributed throughout the islands but only locally common in wetlands. During the breeding season they are found on fresh-water ponds and rivers and streams that support aquatic vegetation, particularly in low lying lands like Lafonia. Nests are floating , constructed of waterweeds and grass and often under overhangs of stream banks or in rushes. Up to three eggs are laid from October. In the winter months White-tufted grebes may also be seen in numbers in creeks and bays in coastal areas where they shelter in the kelp beds.

Food is acquired by diving for small fish, crustaceans, insects and aquatic plants.

White-tufted Grebes are found only in South America. There are several races of Rollandia rolland ranging between approximately 10°S in Peru south to Tierra del Fuego.

Sources include: Falkland Islands State of the Environment Report 2008 Otley H, Munro G, Clausen A, Ingham B. A Field Guide to the Wildlife of The Falkland Islands and South Georgia - Ian J Strange, Guide to Birds of the Falkland Islands- Robin W. Woods.

Photographic credits: Susan Pole-Evans

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