The black-necked grebe or eared grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It was described in 1831 by Christian Ludwig Brehm. Its breeding plumage features distinctive ochre-coloured feathers which extend behind its eye and over its ear coverts. The rest of the upper parts, including the head, neck, and breast, are coloured black to blackish brown. The flanks are tawny rufous to maroon-chestnut, and the abdomen is white. In its non-breeding plumage, this bird has greyish-black upper parts, including the top of the head and a vertical stripe on the back of the neck. The flanks are also greyish-black. The rest of the body is a white or whitish colour. The juvenile has more brown in its darker areas. This species is present in parts of Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas.
Region
Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas
Typical Environment
Breeds on shallow, vegetated freshwater lakes, marshes, and ponds with extensive emergent vegetation for nesting. Outside the breeding season it frequents large saline or alkaline lakes and protected coastal lagoons where invertebrate prey is abundant. Major staging and molting sites include inland salt lakes where it forms vast concentrations. In winter, it may also use sheltered coastal waters and estuaries.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the eared grebe, this species shows a dramatic shift between breeding and non-breeding plumage, with golden ear-tufts and a black neck in the breeding season. It gathers in huge flocks at saline lakes such as Mono Lake and the Great Salt Lake to molt, becoming flightless for several weeks. It is an exceptionally reluctant flier and often runs across the water before takeoff. Pairs typically build floating nests anchored in emergent vegetation.
Pair of black-necked grebes with juveniles, Altlußheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Eared grebes courting, Tule Lake NWR, Klamath Basin, California
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden, Germany
Diving
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant to fly
Social Behavior
Often nests colonially on floating platforms woven from aquatic plants. Courtship includes synchronized displays and mutual preening. Outside the breeding season it forms very large flocks on rich feeding lakes, especially at molting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include high, thin whistles and trills, with chattering notes during displays. Calls are most frequent on breeding territories and within colonies, becoming quieter on wintering grounds.
