Grebes
Eared Grebe
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Podiceps nigricollis
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How to recognize it
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Pigeon-sized, slightly smaller than Red-necked Grebe
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Breeding plumage: black head and neck, golden tufts behind the eye
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Winter plumage: dark grey cap, grey front of neck
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Rufous flanks, white underparts; on water the neck sits upright
About the species
The eared grebe spends most of its time on the water and keeps an upright neck while swimming. If disturbed, it prefers to dive rather than fly, which makes it easy to remember on a lake or river.
It is a highly social species. Outside the breeding season it gathers in flocks, and in spring it often nests in colonies; its voice is varied, with trills and short calls.
Look for it on still or slow-moving water with patches of aquatic plants, and even on mountain rivers during migration. It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates, and in northern parts of its range it is migratory.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Podiceps nigricollis Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Black-necked grebe Encyclopedia article