The Grebes (Podicipedidae) are a family of 22 species of widely distributed order of freshwater diving birds, of which three have become extinct since 1977 - Colombian Grebe, Atitlán Grebe and Alaotra Grebe. The grebes are most closely raleted to flamingos.

Grebes are small to medium-large in size, have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. Grebes have narrow wings, and some species are reluctant to fly and two South American species are completely flightless. Grebes have unusual plumage. It is dense and waterproof, and on the underside the feathers are at right-angles to the skin, sticking straight out to begin with and curling at the tip. By pressing their feathers against the body, grebes can adjust their buoyancy. Often, they swim low in the water with just the head and neck exposed.