The red-necked grebe is a migratory aquatic bird found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Its wintering habitat is largely restricted to calm waters just beyond the waves around ocean coasts, although some birds may winter on large lakes. Grebes prefer shallow bodies of fresh water such as lakes, marshes or fish-ponds as breeding sites.
Region
Northern Holarctic
Typical Environment
Breeds across temperate to subarctic zones of northern Europe and Asia and in North America, favoring shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and ponds with abundant emergent vegetation. During winter it moves to sheltered marine coasts, bays, estuaries, and occasionally large unfrozen lakes. It prefers calm waters with good visibility for diving and avoids fast-flowing rivers. Migration stopovers often include large inland lakes and reservoirs.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Red-necked grebes build floating nests anchored to emergent vegetation and often carry their chicks on their backs for warmth and protection. Their courtship includes elaborate duets and a famous 'weed dance' where partners present aquatic plants to each other. In winter they shift to coastal waters, becoming more gregarious than during the breeding season. They are agile divers with dense plumage that traps air for buoyancy and insulation.
Adult of American subspecies with chicks
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden, Germany
Breeding areas must have emergent vegetation
Chicks on a parent's back
Chicks are fed by the parents for several weeks.
Adult and chicks
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats, usually low over water
Social Behavior
Breeding pairs are strongly territorial and typically nest singly or in loose aggregations within marshes. Courtship involves synchronized displays, trilling duets, head-shaking, and weed presentation. The nest is a floating platform hidden in reeds, and adults frequently carry downy chicks on their backs.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
On breeding grounds it gives loud, far-carrying trills and wailing, nasal calls used in duets between mates. Calls at wintering sites are quieter and less frequent, consisting of soft croaks and grunts.
