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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps ORDER: PODICIPEDIFORMES FAMILY: PODICIPEDIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A small diving bird with a chicken-lke bill, the Pied-billed Grebe is common on lakes and ponds across North America. It is rarely seen flying and prefers to sink out of sight when danger threatens.

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Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small waterbird.
  • Brown head and body, with tufted, whitish rump.
  • Small head and bill.
  • Bill short, but thick.
  • Bill pale, with black ring around it in summer.
  • Black throat in summer.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to winter adult, but face with dark and pale stripes.

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Pied-billed Grebe Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Other grebes lack black band on bill, have thinner bills, and have white wing patches.
  • Ducks have flatter bills and do not sit so low in the water.