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Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena ORDER: PODICIPEDIFORMES FAMILY: PODICIPEDIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Red-necked Grebe Photo

© Gary Nuechterlein

The Red-necked Grebe breeds on small inland lakes in Canada and Alaska, and winters along both coasts of North America. Boldly marked, vocal, and aggressive during the breeding season, it is quiet and subtly attired in winter.

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Appearance

Ducklike
Ducklike

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized waterbird; large grebe.
  • Bill is large, straight, and sharp.
  • Breeding adult has a rufous neck, pale gray or white cheeks, and a black cap.
  • Nonbreeding adult has gray neck and cheeks.

Immature Description

Juvenile has bold dark stripes on sides of head. Immature similar to nonbreeding adult, but even grayer; some rufous or brown tones usually show on foreneck.

Range Map Help

Red-necked Grebe Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult with nestlings
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    Adult with nestlings
    • © Gary Nuechterlein
  • Adult nonbreeding
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    Adult nonbreeding
    • © 2004 Kevin J. McGowan, New York, November 2000

Similar Species

  • Horned Grebe is smaller, has a smaller bill, and a whiter face in winter.
  • Loons have white forenecks (not gray), have all-dark wings without white patches, and differ in overall shape of head and body.
  • Ducks have flatter bills and do not sit so low in the water.