Birdsong field guide
Alaotra Grebe
Tachybaptus rufolavatus
The Alaotra Grebe was a small, nearly flightless waterbird endemic to Madagascar, officially declared extinct in 2010.
What it sounds like
A high-pitched, trilling whinny similar to the Little Grebe, used primarily during courtship.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- It is the first bird species to be declared extinct primarily due to the impacts of invasive predatory fish and gillnetting.
- The species was largely flightless due to its very small wings, which limited its ability to escape deteriorating habitat.
- Extensive hybridization with the closely related Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) accelerated its genetic extinction.
- The last confirmed sighting of a pure individual occurred in 1985 at its primary home, Lake Alaotra.
- Habitat destruction through siltation and the conversion of reed beds to rice paddies contributed heavily to its decline.
Habitat
Shallow freshwater lakes with extensive fringing vegetation and reed beds.
Range
Lake Alaotra and surrounding wetlands in north-central Madagascar.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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