Western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)

Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Podicipediformes
Family:Podicipedidae
Species:Aechmophorus occidentalis
Common:Western grebe

The western grebe is the largest North American grebe and can be found in western North America south into Mexico. It winters primarily off the Pacific Coast.

Identification

Adults

Adult male and female western grebe are similar in appearance. They have a black back and face, white neck and underside, long, thin bill and a long, slender, swan-like neck and red eyes.

Immature

Immature birds are similar in appearance to adults.

Gallery

Western grebe
Western grebe
Bridgeport, California (2010)