potápní

Potápní are a group of aquatic birds known for their diving abilities. In Czech, potápní refers to grebes, the birds in the family Podicipedidae within the order Podicipediformes. They inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and occasionally coastal lagoons worldwide, with Antarctica the only major exclusion. They are medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short tails, long necks, and small heads. A distinctive feature is their lobed feet and legs placed far back on the body, which provide powerful propulsion underwater but make walking on land awkward.

Potápní are specialized divers and primarily feed on fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally amphibians. They typically pursue prey underwater, sometimes staying submerged for extended periods. Outside the breeding season they can be solitary or live in small groups, and many species are territorial during courtship and nesting.

Reproduction takes place near water in reed beds or other vegetation. Nests may be floating platforms or anchored near the shore, built from vegetation. Clutch size is usually around three to five eggs, with both parents incubating and feeding the young. Little chicks may ride on the parents’ backs while they learn to forage.

Taxonomically, the family Podicipedidae includes several genera, such as Podiceps and Tachybaptus, comprising around 20 species globally. Most grebes are not currently threatened, but several species with restricted ranges face habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance, leading to varied conservation statuses across the group.