The horned grebe or Slavonian grebe is a relatively small and threatened species of waterbird in the family Podicipedidae. There are two subspecies, P. a. auritus, which breeds in Eurasia, and P. a. cornutus, which breeds in North America. The Eurasian subspecies is distributed over most of northern Europe and northern Asia, breeding from Iceland east to the Russian Far East. The North American subspecies spans most of Canada and some of the United States. A small population was cited in Greenland in 1973, but is not mapped or further mentioned by subsequent authors.
Region
Northern Eurasia and North America
Typical Environment
Breeds across boreal and temperate zones of northern Europe and Asia (including Iceland to the Russian Far East) and in North America across much of Canada and parts of the northern United States. Uses shallow freshwater ponds, marshes, and small lakes with abundant emergent vegetation during the breeding season. In winter it shifts mostly to coastal marine waters, sheltered bays, estuaries, and large ice-free lakes further south. Two subspecies are recognized: P. a. auritus in Eurasia and P. a. cornutus in North America.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Horned grebes perform elaborate courtship displays with synchronized head-shaking and the exchange of aquatic plants. They build floating nests anchored to emergent vegetation. Chicks often ride on their parents' backs shortly after hatching. Like other grebes, they swallow feathers to help form pellets that protect the stomach from sharp prey parts.
Chicks swimming alongside an adult P. a. cornutus in breeding plumage, Alaska
A Slavonian grebe P. a. auritus with a recently caught fish, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Adult P. a. auritus on nest with two eggs, Russia
Egg at Muséum de Toulouse
Temperament
wary and secretive on breeding ponds; more gregarious in winter
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; takes off after a running start and flies low over water
Social Behavior
Breeding pairs form seasonally and engage in elaborate mutual displays. Nests are floating platforms concealed among reeds or sedges; both sexes incubate and care for young. Outside the breeding season, individuals often gather in small flocks or loose rafts on larger lakes and coastal waters.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocal on breeding grounds with sharp, chattering, and rolling trills, often delivered in duets. Calls include nasal croaks and rapid rattles, carrying well over calm water.
Plumage
In breeding plumage, a black head with striking golden ear-tufts ('horns'), rich rufous-chestnut neck and flanks, and a dark back; in non-breeding plumage, mostly gray above with white cheeks and underparts and a crisp demarcation on the face.
Diet
Primarily consumes aquatic insects and their larvae, small fish, and crustaceans; also takes amphibians and other small aquatic prey when available. Forages by diving and pursuing prey underwater, often making repeated short dives. Like other grebes, it swallows feathers and forms pellets to help process indigestible parts.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shallow freshwater ponds and marshes during the breeding season where cover and prey are abundant. In winter it forages in sheltered coastal waters, estuaries, and sometimes large inland lakes near the surface or along vegetated margins.
