Clark's Grebe Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesClark's Grebe
Adult
Large, slender grebe with a long, thin, straight bill. Black crown does not reach eye, and the bill is bright yellow-orange, especially in summer.
© Darren Clark / Macaulay LibraryUtah, April 17, 2019Adult
Dives underwater for fish and other marine invertebrates.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryUtah, April 01, 2001Not all videos have sound
Adult
Pairs bond using several displays, including synchronized "running" on the water.
© Rob Bonner / Macaulay LibraryArizona, January 07, 2018Adults
Pairs perform elaborate displays during courtship, including a synchronized running dance. This video has no audio.
© Galatee Films / Macaulay LibraryOregon, May 23, 1999Not all videos have sound
Adult
Elegant large grebe with a snakelike neck, puffy head, and a long, straight bill. Black cap does not cover the eye.
© Nancy Christensen / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 07, 2017Adults
Primarily consumes small fish, which they pinch between the bill several times before swallowing it hole.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryMay 01, 2005Not all videos have sound
Adult
Black line on back of neck is narrow. Tufts of feathers on crown can make the head seem much wider than the neck.
© Nancy Christensen / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 12, 2017Adult
Breeds on freshwater lakes; winters mainly on seacoasts.
© Myles McNally / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 29, 2017Adults and juveniles
Chicks hitch rides on their parent's backs after hatching until they are too big to fit.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryMay 01, 2005Not all videos have sound
Similar SpeciesWestern Grebe
Adult
Western Grebes have duller yellow to olive-yellow bills than Clark's Grebes. The black cap of Western extends down to surround the eye, but does not on Clark's.
© Amanda Guercio / Macaulay LibraryManitoba, May 15, 2014Similar SpeciesRed-necked Grebe
Nonbreeding
Red-necked Grebes are smaller and less slender than Clark's Grebes. They have a stouter bill and are more gray-washed (less clean-cut black and white) than Clark's Grebes.
© Samuel Paul Galick / Macaulay LibraryNew Jersey, February 10, 2014Similar SpeciesCommon Loon
Nonbreeding/immature
Common Loons are larger and stockier than Clark's Grebes, with a shorter neck, a larger head, and a much heftier, daggerlike, all-dark bill.
© William Keim / Macaulay LibraryNew Jersey, February 20, 2017Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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