Grebe Family: Grace

An ancient family of Birds, Grebes were once believed to be the relatives of Loons. Instead, these elegant Birds of the Water are actually related to Flamingoes. Because Loons and Grebes share similar life styles, people thought that the two Bird Families were related.

Often seen ferrying their Chicks on their backs, Grebes spend their entire lives in the water. These stately Birds court, feed, sleep, and raise their Young on the water. Even when threatened, Grebes will dive beneath the surface, with their Offspring clinging to their backs.

Best known for their elaborate courting dances, Grebes perform a long series of ritual moves. They start by swimming up to each other. Breast to breast, the two Birds twist their heads from side to side, lifting their bodies up. Then, the two Grebes beat their feet together and rock their heads. Continuing this ritual, They perform their stately weed dance.

In the 1800s, the feathers of Grebes were extensively used to decorate ladies hats. Because of this, these elegant Birds nearly went extinct. Through the efforts of the Bird Protection Movement, the population of Grebes rebounded. In fact, today many species of Grebes flourish around the world. They continue their beautiful dances for all to watch.

Grebes are endowed with the power of Grace. Their courting dances glorify physical grace. Grebes offer spiritual grace to those who saved them from extinction. They glide stately across still waters, empowering those who glimpse them. Grebes demonstrate the many aspects of grace from the physical to the spiritual. Let us learn about Grace in all its forms from these Birds.