Grebes and divers (known as loons in North America) are duck-like diving birds. Both use their feet as paddles as they pursue their quarry below the water's surface. They are mostly freshwater species, found in estuaries, lakes and ponds, but some kinds fly to spend winters in coastal waters. The two families are not related; grebes are thought to be more closely related to flamingos.

Grebes

Before they mate, grebes take part in elaborate courtship dances. They appear to trot across the water side by side, with their wings held back and their elegant necks curved upwards. After mating, the grebe couples set about building their nests. Grebes build floating nests, anchored by weeds in the lake floor. They make them close together, forming a large raft where the eggs are safe from land predators. Pairing bonds may only last a single season.

Divers

Divers are so-called because of the way they swim on the surface, then suddenly plunge into the water to catch fish. Their American name, loon, comes from an Old English word meaning clumsy—a reference to the bird's difficulty with walking on land. Divers are, instead, excellent swimmers. They use their feet to propel themselves along. Divers find their prey, mostly fish, but also amphibians and crustaceans, by sight.