Podicipediformes is a scientific nomenclature of an order of birds, known as the grebe. The grebe is a fresh water bird, common in several parts of the world. Grebes are diving birds, and they are found in many parts of the world except in regions with cold weather such as glacial regions or regions with freezing weather.

Often, grebes are small in size. They have webbed toes which enable them to manouver in the water, and subsequently, of course they are very good swimmers. Grebes can also run, but only for short distances. They cannot sustain long distances, and they can easily fall because their feet are situated towards the rear of the body.

The wings of podicipediformes are narrow, and some species are not able to fly. When confronted with a threat, they react by diving as opposed to flying or running. Other species of podicipediformes are nomadic, particularly in Europe and Northern American areas. This is because they have to flee the winter weathers and go away until such a time when the weather is once again favorable for them.

The beaks of podicipediformes are different. There are stout beaks and also extended and sharp beaks. The shape of a beak depends on the type of food eaten by the podicipediforme. These birds usually feed on insects, fish and other small fresh water animals. The feet of podicipediformes are usually big and webbed. This formation of the feet helps the birds in movement in the water, and they are swift and very agile while moving in water, thanks to their adapted feet.

The feathers of podicipediformes are thick and water-resistant. By pressing their feathers on their body, grebes become more buoyant and hence they can float more, consequently swimming easier inside the water. Meanwhile, they have only the head and neck outside the water. When grooming their feathers with their beaks, grebes end up eating their own feathers while also feeding them to their chicks. This action is believed to be helpful for the grebes in controlling intestinal parasites and diseases. Grebes make nests that float on water from plant materials, and they are hidden within reeds. The young grebes are independent of their parents at birth, and are able to swim right from the time they are born.

The preferred habitat for most grebes is fresh water lakes, ponds and also slow rivers. These water birds are known to feed on various types of fish like herring, snails and many other small water fish and other organisms. They are great divers, and can dive to the bottom of the surface to retrieve food.

In the past, while they were hunted for their feathers and meat, grebes are not popular because their meat is said to have an awful taste. Consequently, no species of podicipediformes can be said to be threatened as such. However, some wild grebes still face the risk of extinction, especially due to the depletion and destruction of their natural habitats through human activities.