ExploreBirds

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

The Pied-billed Grebe is a small, diving bird that loves to swim in lakes and ponds. With its cute, chunky body and short bill, it can be hard to spot, but it’s always having fun underwater!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Pied-billed Grebe is a small, chunky brown waterbird with a large head and a distinctive pale bill marked by a black band during breeding season. It has a short neck, a fluffy white undertail, and no visible tail, setting it apart from ducks.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPodicipediformesFamilyPodicipedidaeGenusPodilymbus
Pied-billed Grebe
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Pied-billed Grebe

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

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

Their unique bill is strong enough to crush the hard shells of crayfish!

They build a nest that floats on water, anchored to underwater plants.

When threatened, they can vanish by silently sinking straight down like a ghost!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Hunter

Pied-billed Grebe has lobed feet that propel it powerfully underwater, helping it chase and catch slippery prey.

Ability

Feather Shield

Pied-billed Grebe can swallow its own feathers to protect its stomach lining from sharp fish bones and exoskeletons.

Measurements & details

Length
30-38 cm
Wingspan
45-62 cm
Weight
0.25-0.57 kg
Lifespan
2-10 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
2-10
Incubation
23-27 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

They dive to catch a tasty meal of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Age differences: Younger birds eat more insects, while adults shift towards fish and crustaceans.

Primary Foods

  • fish
  • aquatic insects
  • crayfish
  • tadpoles

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Pike are predators of grebe eggs, chicks, and sometimes adults.

eats

Red Swamp Crayfish

Procambarus clarkii

A significant food source, especially for adult grebes.

eaten by

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Large bass may prey on grebe chicks and eggs.

depends on

Broadleaf Cattail

Typha latifolia

Provides crucial cover and nesting material in marsh habitats.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Pied-billed Grebe?

30-38 cm

What is Pied-billed Grebe's wingspan?

45-62 cm

How much does Pied-billed Grebe weigh?

0.25-0.57 kg

How long does Pied-billed Grebe live?

2-10 years

How fast can Pied-billed Grebe move?

35 km/h

What does Pied-billed Grebe eat?

They dive to catch a tasty meal of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Where is Pied-billed Grebe usually found?

Wetlands

How does Pied-billed Grebe hunt?

Pursuit

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Where to spot

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