ExploreBirds

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

The Eared Grebe is a small, beautiful bird known for its striking black neck and fluffy feathers. It loves to swim and dive in lakes and ponds, making it a fun sight for bird watchers!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Eared Grebe is a small, compact water bird with a slender neck. In breeding season, it has a black head and neck with distinctive golden-orange fan-shaped ear tufts and a bright red eye, contrasting with rusty flanks.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPodicipediformesFamilyPodicipedidaeGenusPodiceps
Eared Grebe
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgecrested trait badgesocial trait badge
Eared Grebe

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby grebes ride on their parents' backs, even when diving!

Sometimes, hundreds of thousands gather to migrate across continents!

Their legs are so far back, they can barely walk on land!

They clean their feathers using special oil from a gland near their tail!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Hunter

Eared Grebe can dive deep underwater because of its powerful legs, helping them swiftly catch prey.

Ability

Feather Feeder

Eared Grebe eats its own feathers that helps protect its stomach lining from sharp fish bones.

Ability

Floating Nest Builder

Eared Grebe has special anchoring skills that helps them build floating nests tied to aquatic plants.

Ability

Mass Migrator

Eared Grebe can gather in huge groups for migration, helping them cross vast distances together.

Measurements & details

Length
28-34 cm
Wingspan
46-55 cm
Weight
0.25-0.4 kg
Lifespan
5-12 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
3-8
Incubation
20-22 days
Migration Distance
5000 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds are expert divers, hunting small fish, aquatic insects, and tiny crustaceans underwater!

Age differences: Young are fed mostly insects by parents, gradually adding small fish and crustaceans to their diet.

Primary Foods

  • Aquatic insects
  • Small fish
  • Brine shrimp
  • Larvae
  • Crustaceans

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Brine Shrimp

Artemia salina

A primary food source in saline lakes.

hunts

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

A prey item for adult grebes.

eaten by

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Predator of adult grebes.

eaten by

California Gull

Larus californicus

Preys on grebe eggs and chicks.

shelters

Broadleaf Cattail

Typha latifolia

Used for anchoring floating nests.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance so they feel safe and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eared Grebe?

28-34 cm

What is Eared Grebe's wingspan?

46-55 cm

How much does Eared Grebe weigh?

0.25-0.4 kg

How long does Eared Grebe live?

5-12 years

How fast can Eared Grebe move?

70 km/h

What does Eared Grebe eat?

These birds are expert divers, hunting small fish, aquatic insects, and tiny crustaceans underwater!

Where is Eared Grebe usually found?

Wetlands

How does Eared Grebe hunt?

Pursuit

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