Successful rearing of a grebe (Podicipediformes) brood depends on several environ - mental factors, such as climatic conditions and food supply at the breeding site. In connection with their insufficient thermoregulation in the first days of their life grebe chicks are brooded, warmed and fed, under the wings on the back of their pa - rents. Although grebes are very adaptable birds, fishpond degradation is currently inducing a decrease of these waterbirds. and Jan Sychra.