Eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

The eared grebe, known as the black-necked grebe outside of North America, is the most abundant grebe in the world. It occurs on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.

Identification

Adults

Adult male and female eared grebes are similar in appearance. They are a small waterbird, with a thin, dark bill, often appearing tilted slightly upward and have red eyes. In summer, they are black with golden ear tufts (breeding plumage). In winter, they are black, white, and gray, with white ear patch.

Immature

Immature birds are similar in appearance to the winter adult, but more brownish on back and neck.

Gallery

Non-breeding plumage

Mono Lake, California (2010)

Breeding plumage

Bridgeport, California (2010)

Related Page Hierarchy

Species

Kingdom: Animalia (animals)

Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates, sea squirts)

Class: Aves (birds)

Order: Podicipediformes (grebes)

Family: Podicipedidae (grebes)

Western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)

Slavonian grebe (Podiceps auritus)

Eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)