The one pictured above is called the Least Grebe. It is found mostly in South America, but breeding pairs have been seen in Arizona. They are small birds with legs that are set back on their body, making them much more efficient in water than on land. They are engineering marvels, able to control their buoyancy be adjusting the position of their feathers. In water, their feet act like miniature hydrofoils, propelling them efficiently as they dive for small fish and crustaceans. They are a unique as a species, and scientists are having a hard time figuring out what other types of birds they may be related to. If you ever see one, let me know.
