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Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis ORDER: PODICIPEDIFORMES FAMILY: PODICIPEDIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Eared Grebe Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

The most abundant grebe in the world, the Eared Grebe breeds in shallow wetlands in western North America. It occurs in greatest numbers on Mono Lake and the Great Salt Lake in fall, where it doubles its weight in preparation for a nonstop flight to its wintering grounds in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

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Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small waterbird.
  • Thin, dark bill, often appearing tilted slightly upward.
  • Red eyes.
  • In summer, black with golden ear tufts.
  • In winter, black, white, and gray, with white ear patch.

Immature Description

Similar to winter adult, but more brownish on back and neck.

Range Map Help

Eared Grebe Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult nonbreeding
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    Adult nonbreeding
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, San Diego, California, January 2000
  • Adult nonbreeding
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    Adult nonbreeding
    • © Marie Read

Similar Species

  • Horned Grebe appears quite similar, especially in nonbreeding plumage, but shows clear border between black of crown and white of lower face rather than a more gradual transition between black and white. Front of neck is white, not gray. Rear end slopes to water instead of sticking up like that of Eared Grebe.