Western Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalis
The Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) is a common greb found in 3 countries, weighing about 1.1 kg. The western grebe is a species in the grebe family of water birds.
About the Western Grebe
The western grebe is a species in the grebe family of water birds. Folk names include "dabchick", "swan grebe" and "swan-necked grebe".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The western grebe is the largest North American grebe. It is 55–75 cm (22–30 in) long, weighs 795–2,000 g (1.753–4.409 lb) and measures 79–102 cm (31–40 in) across the wings. It is black-and-white, with a long, slender, swan-like neck and red eyes. It is easily confused with Clark's grebe, which shares similar features, body size, behavior and habitat, and hybrids are known. Clark's grebes generally populate more of the southern part of North America Other differences are whiter flanks and paler gray backs when comparing Clark's grebe to the western grebe.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Western Grebe can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Western Grebe?
- The western grebe is the largest North American grebe. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Western Grebe?
- The Western Grebe is a large sized bird weighing about 1.1 kg.
- Where can you see a Western Grebe?
- The Western Grebe occurs in 3 countries, including the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Western Grebe?
- The Western Grebe is most easily confused with the Clark's Grebe.
- Is the Western Grebe endangered?
- The Western Grebe is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Western Grebe for real
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