The grebes are different from other waterfowl such as swans, geese, ducks and loons because they have lobed-toes. These birds are divers who use their wings to propel themselves under water in order to reach their prey. Similar to loons, they are more able to swim in water than they are to walk on land. This is because their legs are farther back on their bodies than most waterfowl and it is very difficult for them to balance their weight in order to walk.
There are two types of grebes seen in Cuba. The Pied-billed Grebe which is seen over a very large area of North America, and the Least Grebe which is the smallest in the grebe family. These grebes live in the most southerly regions of the United States and into Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean islands.