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Red-necked Grebe Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A thickset waterbird, similar in size to many ducks, but with a longer neck and a heavy, pointed bill.

    Relative Size

    Almost as large as a Mallard; intermediate between Horned Grebe and Western Grebe.

    Relative Sizecrow sizedcrow-sized

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 16.9-22.1 in (43-56 cm)
      • Weight: 28.2-56.4 oz (800-1600 g)
      • Wingspan: 24.0-34.6 in (61-88 cm)

Regional Differences

North American (and eastern Asian) nesters are of subspecies holboellii, sometimes called Holboell’s Grebe, which has a yellower bill and paler back, cheeks, and neck than the smaller western Eurasian birds (subspecies grisegena).