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Why were grebes called water-witches and helldivers?
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Grebe
Slavonian, or horned, grebe (Podiceps auritus)
Grebes are referred to as "water-witches" and "helldivers" because of the remarkable speed with which they can submerge themselves in water. These names reflect their highly specialized behavior as diving birds, capable of disappearing beneath the surface almost instantly when threatened or while foraging.12