Pied-billed Grebe

The Pied-billed Grebe is a small, stocky, brown waterbird notable among grebes for its thick, chicken-like bill rather than the thin, pointed bill typical of most grebe species. In breeding plumage the bill turns pale bluish-white with a bold black band around it, giving the species its common name. It has a short neck, a fluffy white patch under the tail, and an overall dumpy, unobtrusive appearance that helps it blend into dense marsh vegetation.

Often called the "water witch" for its habit of silently sinking below the surface rather than diving, it is one of the most widespread and adaptable grebes in the Western Hemisphere.

Key field marks

• Small, stocky body with a short neck
• Thick, pale bill with a black ring in breeding plumage
• Fluffy white undertail patch, often flicked visibly
• Brown overall plumage lacking the bold head patterns of many other grebes

Similar species

• Least Grebe (in range overlap areas) is smaller with a thin dark bill and yellow eye.
• Other grebes such as Horned or Eared Grebe have thin, pointed bills and more patterned plumage, unlike the plain brown Pied-billed Grebe.

Habitat

Favors freshwater ponds, marshes, sloughs, and lake edges with abundant emergent vegetation for cover.

Range

Found throughout much of North, Central, and South America, from southern Canada to Argentina.

Migration

Northern populations migrate south in winter to ice-free waters, while southern populations are largely resident.

Behavior

Notoriously secretive, often slowly submerging its body underwater like a submarine to escape detection rather than diving with a splash.

Voice

Gives a loud, far-carrying series of cackling, whooping notes, often described as "cow-cow-cow-cow-cowp-cowp", frequently heard from dense marsh vegetation.

Feeding

Dives to catch small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, using its thick bill to crush hard-shelled prey such as crayfish.

Nesting

Builds a floating platform nest anchored to marsh vegetation; typically lays 4-7 bluish-white eggs that quickly become nest-stained.