Rollandia microptera (Gould, 1868)

Nomenclature and Size

Rollandia microptera, commonly called the Titicaca flightless grebe, is a mid-sized grebe that ranges from 28 to 45 cm in total length, and weighs up to 600 g.

Coloration Distinctiveness

This species has unique, unmistakable coloration. The only grebe species it somewhat resembles is the red-necked grebe, which does not occur in South America. Its only close relative in the same genus, the white-tufted grebe, does not look very similar to it.

Plumage Comparison to Red-necked Grebe

Overall, the Titicaca grebe shares a similar color pattern to the red-necked grebe, but it has a darker belly, and a white throat patch (instead of the light grey patch found in red-necked grebe) that extends down the neck almost to the breast.

Visible Body Markings

Due to its short wings, its rufous flanks are usually visible. The ornamental head plumes are a dark, vestigial version of the plumes found on the white-tufted grebe.

Soft Part Coloration

The iris and lower bill are yellow.

Juvenile and Non-breeding Plumage

Juveniles and non-breeding adult individuals have duller coloration and lack ornamental plumes; juvenile birds additionally have rufous stripes on the sides of the head and more white on the neck, which hides the rufous breast when the bird is swimming.

Locomotion Abilities

This grebe is entirely flightless, but it can use wing-assisted running to travel over considerable distances. It is a skilled diver, able to reach a burst speed of 3.5 km/h (2 knots).

General Habitat Depth Range

The Titicaca flightless grebe lives in a mosaic of habitats in relatively shallow waters up to around 10 m (35 ft) deep.

Breeding Habitat

Its breeding habitat is the reed belt, which occurs in water up to 4 m (13 ft) deep, and is dominated mainly by Totora, Schoenoplectus californicus ssp. tatora.

Associated Habitat Vegetation

Other plants found in its habitat include the underwater species Myriophyllum elatinoides and Hydrocharitaceae water weeds, plus floating duckweeds and Azolla. Potamogeton forms the dominant underwater vegetation in deeper areas, down to 14 m (around 45 ft).

Environmental Sensitivity

A study by O'Donnel and Fjeldsa concluded that these grebes are strongly impacted by environmental change and are sensitive to it.

Breeding Frequency

It is likely that every territorial pair attempts to breed once per year.

Parental Care and Breeding Season

The period that parents spend caring for their young is probably quite prolonged, and the species may not have a fixed breeding season. Young birds generally become independent before they reach one year of age.

Clutch Size

Clutches usually contain 2 eggs, but may have as many as 4.

Breeding Timing Patterns

While more birds are found incubating around December than at other times of year, roughly half of the adult population is breeding or caring for young at any given time.