Smallest North American grebe. Famous for spectacular nuptial dances on saline lakes (especially Great Salt Lake, where millions stage in autumn).

Also called: Black-necked Grebe

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 25–95 cm (10–37 in); wingspan 45–150 cm
Weight150–6,000 g
LifespanWild 8–30 years
OrderPodicipediformes
FamilyPodicipedidae

§ Encyclopedia

The black-necked grebe or eared grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It was described in 1831 by Christian Ludwig Brehm. Its breeding plumage features distinctive ochre-coloured feathers which extend behind its eye and over its ear coverts. The rest of the upper parts, including the head, neck, and breast, are coloured black to blackish brown. The flanks are tawny rufous to maroon-chestnut, and the abdomen is white. In its non-breeding plumage, this bird has greyish-black upper parts, including the top of the head and a vertical stripe on the back of the neck. The flanks are also greyish-black. The rest of the body is a white or whitish colour. The juvenile has more brown in its darker areas. This species is present in parts of Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas.

Source: Wikipedia — Black-necked grebe Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small grebe with a peaked crown, thin upturned-looking bill, and a red eye. Breeding birds show golden ear fans on a black head and neck; winter birds dusky with a smudgy neck.

Similar species. Horned Grebe has a flatter crown and a clean white cheek in winter; Eared has a peaked crown and a dingier neck and cheek.

Voice. A soft, rising, mellow 'poo-eee-chk' on the breeding marsh.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish, aquatic invertebrates caught by foot-propelled dives.

Behavior. The most abundant grebe in the world; stages by the hundreds of thousands at saline lakes (e.g., Mono Lake, Great Salt Lake) to molt and fatten, becoming temporarily flightless.

§ Range

Western North America

§ Habitat

Saline lakes, marshes

§ Threats

Saline lake loss, climate-driven habitat shifts.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eared grebe is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support saline lake protection. Reduce water consumption in arid west.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List