About the Red-necked Grebe
The red-necked grebe is an aquatic bird found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. A migratory bird, its wintering habitat is largely restricted to calm waters just beyond the waves around ocean coasts, although some birds may winter on large lakes. Grebes prefer shallow bodies of fresh water such as lakes, marshes or fish-ponds as breeding sites.
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The red-necked grebe is a medium-large grebe, smaller than the great crested grebe of Eurasia, and the western and Clark's grebes of North America, but noticeably larger than other northern grebe species. In breeding plumage, it has a black cap that extends below the eye, very pale grey cheeks and throat, a rusty red neck, dark grey back and flanks, and white underparts. The eyes are dark brown and the long, pointed bill is black with a yellow base.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mexico, India, Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Faroe Islands.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Black-necked GrebePodiceps nigricollisThe 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.
Horned GrebePodiceps auritusThe species can be recognised by its orange-red and black breeding plumage, its black and white non-breeding plumage, and its characteristic "horns".
Great GrebePodiceps majorThis is a very large grebe, with proportions more like a goose or a cormorant than a typical grebe.
Side by side: Great Crested Grebe vs Red-necked Grebe · Horned Grebe vs Red-necked Grebe · Black-necked Grebe vs Red-necked Grebe
Learn the Red-necked Grebe for real
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