Grebes
Red-necked Grebe
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Podiceps grisegena
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How to recognize it
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Medium-large grebe, bigger than horned grebe, smaller than great crested grebe
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Breeding: black cap to below eye, very pale grey face, rusty red neck
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Winter: dusky grey overall, pale front neck, no white stripe above the eye
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Long neck stretched forward in flight; feet trail far behind; takes off only after a run on water
About the species
In winter, the red-necked grebe looks plain and dusky, but in the breeding season it changes to a darker head and a rusty neck. It spends much of its time on the water and slips under at the first sign of trouble rather than taking off.
During courtship, pairs give loud calls and perform a series of close, synchronized displays on the water. Outside the breeding season it is mostly quiet, and its shorter, broken-up calls are easier to notice only when it is active near cover.
It breeds on small, shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, fish ponds, and quiet bays with plenty of emergent plants. The diet is mostly aquatic insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and sometimes fish, while wintering flocks move to calm coastal waters and other ice-free places.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Podiceps grisegena Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Red-necked grebe Encyclopedia article