ExploreBirds

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

The Red-necked Grebe is a beautiful bird with a striking red neck and a sharp beak. It loves to swim and dive in lakes and ponds, making it a fun bird to watch!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Red-necked Grebe has a striking rusty-red neck and dark grey body, with a contrasting black cap and bright white cheeks. Its yellow-based bill is dagger-like. This large diving bird is distinct from other grebes by its rich neck color.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPodicipediformesFamilyPodicipedidaeGenusPodiceps
Red-necked Grebe
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Red-necked 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!

Their nests float on water, anchored to plants!

They swallow their own feathers to protect their stomachs!

Unlike most birds, their legs are way at the back of their body!

Special abilities

Ability

Deep Diver

Red-necked Grebes can dive over 30 feet to catch fish because of their powerful, rear-set legs and streamlined body.

Ability

Buoyancy Control

Red-necked Grebes can adjust how much air is trapped in their feathers, allowing them to sink slowly or float high.

Ability

Floating Home Builder

Red-necked Grebes construct nests that float on water, anchored to submerged vegetation, protecting eggs from land predators.

Measurements & details

Length
40-50 cm
Wingspan
77-85 cm
Weight
0.75-1.6 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
22-33 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

They primarily hunt and eat small fish, but also enjoy aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Age differences: Young are fed smaller invertebrates and transition to fish as they grow.

Primary Foods

  • small fish
  • minnows
  • perch
  • aquatic insects
  • crayfish
  • tadpoles

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Red-necked Grebe?

40-50 cm

What is Red-necked Grebe's wingspan?

77-85 cm

How much does Red-necked Grebe weigh?

0.75-1.6 kg

How long does Red-necked Grebe live?

10-15 years

How fast can Red-necked Grebe move?

60 km/h

What does Red-necked Grebe eat?

They primarily hunt and eat small fish, but also enjoy aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Where is Red-necked Grebe usually found?

Wetlands

How does Red-necked Grebe hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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