These grebes breed in small colonies in heavily vegetated areas of freshwater lakes.

Like all grebes, they nest on the water's edge, since the legs are set very far back and they cannot walk well.

These small grebes are excellent swimmers and divers, and pursue their fish prey underwater.

The sexes are similar: dumpy and short-billed with a “powder puff” rear end.

Unlike these, the least grebe lacks chestnut colouring on the neck, and has formerly been placed in at least three other genera.