Black-necked Grebe vs Great Grebe

Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

Large412 gWetland

The black-necked grebe usually measures between 28 and 34 centimetres (11 and 13 in) in length and has a wingspan range of 56–60 centimetres (22–24 in) in P. n. nigricollis, and 52–55 centimetres (20–22 in) in P. n. californicus. It weighs 215 to 450 grams (7.6 to 15.9 oz), with males being on average heavier than females. The nominate subspecies in breeding plumage has the head, neck, breast, and upper parts coloured black to blackish brown, with the exception of the ochre-coloured fan of feathers extending behind the eye over the eye-coverts and sides of the nape. Voice: When breeding, the black-necked grebe gives a quiet "ooeek" that ascends in pitch from an already high pitch. This call is also used as a territorial call, in addition to a low and fast trill, which itself is also used during courtship. Another call is a short "puuii" or "wit". This grebe is silent when it is not the breeding season and when it is feeding or resting.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Marco Mussita · CC BY 4.0

Great Grebe

Podiceps major

Huge1.6 kgWetland

This is a very large grebe, with proportions more like a goose or a cormorant than a typical grebe. They range in length from 67 to 80 cm (26.5 to 31.5 in) and usually weigh about 1,600 grams (3.5 pounds), but can scale to at least 2 kg (4.4 lb). They are buffy-rufous on the neck and chest, blackish on the back and have a whitish belly. The head is sooty gray with a reddish-brown eye. Due to its size and unique coloration, the great grebe is unlikely to be confused with any other bird, including other grebes.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: carancho · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black-necked Grebe and Great Grebe.