A squat water bird with a peaked, rounded head and a short, fairly thick bill with a pale spot at base. Body very rounded. Often heard calling in spring: a sudden, loud, whinnying sound.

This smallest and dumpiest of grebes lives on small freshwater pools and even quite narrow rivers, although many move to larger lakes or the coast in winter. Its short bill, round head, tailless appearance and constant diving habit make it impossible to confuse with other waterbirds. It is not often seen in flight, which is hurried, low and weak.