The hooded grebe, is a medium-sized grebe found in the southern region of Argentina. It grows to about 32 cm (13 in) in length, and is black and white in color. It is found in isolated lakes in the most remote parts of Patagonia and spends winters along the coast of the same region. In 2012 IUCN uplisted the species from Endangered to Critically Endangered.
Region
Patagonia (southern Argentina)
Typical Environment
Breeds on isolated, clear, cold lakes scattered across the basaltic Patagonian plateau, often in treeless steppe with strong winds. It selects deep, oligotrophic waters with patches of submerged vegetation for nesting and foraging. Outside the breeding season it moves to sheltered bays, inlets, and estuaries along the Atlantic coast of southern Patagonia. Sites are remote and sparsely populated, contributing to the species’ cryptic occurrence and monitoring challenges.
Altitude Range
700–1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking grebe performs elaborate courtship displays, fanning rich rufous head plumes while duetting with its partner. It breeds on remote Patagonian plateau lakes and winters along the windswept Atlantic coast of southern Argentina. Major threats include invasive American mink and trout, storm-driven nest loss, and very low reproductive success.
Courtship
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
reluctant flier; low over water with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in isolated pairs or small loose colonies, building floating nests anchored to aquatic vegetation. Courtship involves synchronized swimming, head-shaking, and plume-fanning displays. Clutch size is small and both parents incubate and carry young on their backs.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of trills, chattering duets, and sharp, rolling calls during courtship. Calls are generally soft and carry poorly in wind, making the species more often detected by sight than sound.
Plumage
Bold black-and-white pattern with pale grey upperparts and white underparts; black head with erectile chestnut-rufous fan-like plumes during display.
Diet
Dives to take aquatic invertebrates such as amphipods, insect larvae, and small crustaceans, and will also capture small fish when available. Prey is swallowed underwater or at the surface. It forages singly or in pairs, increasing dive frequency during calmer conditions.
Preferred Environment
Prefers clear, deep plateau lakes with submerged vegetation during the breeding season. In winter it feeds in sheltered coastal waters, including estuaries and protected bays.
