The great grebe is the largest species of grebe in the world. A disjunct population exists in northwestern Peru, while the main distribution is from extreme southeastern Brazil to Patagonia and central Chile. The population from southern Chile is considered a separate subspecies, P. m. navasi.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
This species ranges from extreme southeastern Brazil south through Uruguay and Argentina to Patagonia and central Chile, with a disjunct population in northwestern Peru. It breeds on large freshwater lakes, slow rivers, and wetlands with emergent vegetation suitable for anchoring floating nests. Outside the breeding season it commonly uses sheltered marine environments, such as estuaries, fjords, and protected coastal bays. It favors expansive water bodies with clear foraging areas and nearby cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The great grebe is the largest grebe in the world, notable for its long rufous neck and robust, dagger-like bill. It breeds mainly on large freshwater lakes but often shifts to coastal bays and estuaries outside the breeding season. A disjunct population occurs in northwestern Peru, and the southern Chilean population is sometimes treated as the subspecies P. m. navasi.
In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that takes a long running takeoff over water
Social Behavior
Pairs typically nest solitarily or in loose groups, building floating nests anchored to reeds or other vegetation. Both sexes incubate and carry downy chicks on their backs shortly after hatching. Pair bonds are seasonal, and courtship includes mutual displays and vocal duets.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and harsh, including grating croaks and bark-like calls that carry over water. Duets between mates are common during the breeding season and serve to reinforce pair bonds and territory.
Plumage
Breeding adults show dark sooty-brown to blackish upperparts, a rich rufous to cinnamon neck and chest, and paler underparts; non-breeding birds are greyer above with a whitish throat and belly. Feathers appear sleek and water-resistant, with minimal cresting.
Diet
Primarily piscivorous, taking small to medium-sized fish captured by pursuit dives. It also consumes aquatic crustaceans, amphibians, and large aquatic insects when available. Prey is usually swallowed whole at the surface after a dive.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open water on large lakes and reservoirs, along reed margins, and in coastal bays and estuaries during non-breeding periods. Often forages near kelp beds and sheltered inlets where fish and crustaceans concentrate. Chooses areas with good underwater visibility for effective pursuit diving.
