Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

While biking along the shore of Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan, we paused to watch the birds fishing in the shallows. Among them was the little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)—a compact, chestnut-throated diver known for its agility and near-silent presence. Often called a “dabchick,” this species is widespread across Eurasia and parts of Africa, but seeing it here in the highland waters of western China felt quietly special.

Little grebes are expert swimmers, using their lobed feet to propel themselves underwater in search of small fish and aquatic invertebrates. Their whinnying trill, though subtle, is distinctive, and their habit of vanishing beneath the surface before reappearing meters away makes them easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.

Erhai’s broad basin, nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and Dali Old Town, offers a rich wetland habitat for waterbirds. And while the lake is known for its scenic beauty, moments like this—watching a single grebe navigate its afternoon—reminds us of the quieter lives unfolding just offshore.