Why do young grebes ride on their parents’ backs?

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Slavonian, or horned, grebe (Podiceps auritus) — Grebe Slavonian, or horned, grebe (*Podiceps auritus*)

After hatching, young grebes spend most of their time riding on their parents’ backs. This behavior serves as a primary method of protection and care for the downy chicks, which reach the parents' backs by clambering up an adult's foot.1

Because grebes are diving birds that breed on bodies of water, carrying the young on their backs keeps the chicks safe and close to the adults while they swim. Both parents share in the care of the young, and this practice allows the parents to effectively guard and transport their offspring in an aquatic environment.1