Clark's grebe is a North American waterbird species in the grebe family. Until the 1980s, it was thought to be a pale morph of the western grebe, which it resembles in size, range, and behavior. Intermediates between the two species are known.
Region
Western North America
Typical Environment
Breeds on large freshwater lakes, marshes, and reservoirs across the interior West, especially the Great Basin, northern Great Plains, and intermountain regions. Nests are floating platforms anchored to emergent vegetation such as bulrushes and reeds. During migration it uses inland saline and freshwater lakes and large reservoirs. Winters mainly along the Pacific coast from British Columbia to Baja California and locally on large inland waters in the Southwest and Mexico. Prefers expansive open water with nearby emergent cover for nesting and protection. Clear or moderately clear waters are favored for efficient pursuit-diving.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Clark's grebe was long treated as a pale morph of the western grebe but is now recognized as a distinct species, differing mainly in facial pattern and bill color. It shows more white in the face so that the black cap generally does not pass through the eye, and its bill is brighter orange-yellow. Like its relative, it performs spectacular courtship 'rushing' displays where pairs sprint across the water.
A family in California, USA. Two chicks are riding on one parent's back
Rushing Clark's Grebes
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
low, direct flight with rapid wingbeats; strong flier but reluctant to take off
Social Behavior
Often nests colonially on floating platforms in dense emergent vegetation. Pairs form seasonally and engage in elaborate synchronized displays, including the famous rushing where birds run across the surface. Outside breeding, gathers in loose flocks on large water bodies and in coastal bays.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, sharp, and more piercing than those of the western grebe, often a rapid series of kek or kree-eek notes. Calls carry well over open water and are used in pair contact and colony interactions.
