Horned Grebe
Image: John Wragg (cc-by-nc)
NameHorned Grebe
Common NameHorned Grebe
Scientific NamePodiceps auritus
FamilyPodicipedidae
Wingspan (cm)62
Length (cm)34.5
Weight (g)435
Plumage DetailsIn breeding plumage, it features a black head with distinctive golden-orange 'horns' or tufts behind the eyes, a chestnut neck and flanks, and a black back. In non-breeding (winter) plumage, as seen in the image, it is dark gray-black above and clean white below, with a sharp contrast between the dark cap and white cheek.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of trills, whines, and chattering calls, especially during courtship displays. They are generally silent outside of the breeding season.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, coastal waters
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern North America and Eurasia, including Alaska, Canada, and parts of northern Europe and Asia. Winters along coastal waters and large inland lakes in temperate regions of both continents, extending south to the southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Europe and Asia.
Identifying Featurespointed bill, dark cap and clean white cheek in winter plumage, golden-orange ear tufts in breeding plumage, red eyes, small size, diving behavior
Description
The Horned Grebe is a small, elegant diving waterbird known for its expert swimming and diving abilities. It is often found on freshwater lakes and ponds during the breeding season and moves to coastal waters and large inland lakes for winter.
