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A Beginners Guide to North American Grebes


Grebes are excellent divers and swimmers, smaller than loons and
most ducks, with flat lobes on their toes, floating lower in
the water than ducks.

Grebes have short legs that are far back on the body, tail and
wings are short.

Flight of Grebes is weak and hurried, they must "taxi" before
taking off. The head is held low in flight.


The Horned Grebe has a head black with chestnut ear patches.
The Pied-billed Grebe is the same size, darker in winter, when
throat markings are lacking, it has a more rounded bill than
other grebes.

The Red-necked Grebe is grayer, with white cheeks and a
pointed yellowish bill.

Grebes dine on small aquatic animals.

They construct their nests in shallow water, floating among rushes
in lakes and ponds.

Length is 12 inches to 15 inches. Female similar to the male.

Picture Grebe




Grebes make up the order Podicipediformes

Different types of Grebes are:

Western Grebes
Red-necked Grebe
Horned Grebe
Eared Grebe
Pied-billed Grebe


See Also:

Index of North American Birds


Index of All Bird Care & Birdie Fun Stuff

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