Great Grebe vs Silvery Grebe

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

Silvery Grebe

Podiceps occipitalis

Large321 gWetland

The silvery grebe is about 28 cm (11 in) in length. There are two different subspecies which differ in the colouring on their head and facial plumes. In the southern form, the ear plumes are yellowish and the side of the head and throat are grey. In the northern form, the ear plumes are grey and the side of the head and throat are white. Both have a crown that is black and the neck, chest and belly are white while the back is dark grey and the sides and flanks blackish. The beak and feet are black and the eye red.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Fernando Pérez Peralta · CC0

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