Western Grebe

The Western Grebe is a large, slender grebe with a long, graceful neck, a straight, dagger-like yellow-green bill, and bright red eyes. Its plumage is boldly patterned in black above and white below, with a black cap that extends down around the eye, giving it a somewhat masked appearance. It is one of the largest grebe species and is instantly recognizable by its elongated, swan-like silhouette on open water.

The species is perhaps best known for its spectacular courtship display, in which paired birds rise up and run side by side across the water's surface in perfect synchrony, a behavior known as "rushing."

Key field marks

• Large size with a long, slender white neck
• Black cap extending down through and around the red eye
• Straight, greenish-yellow bill
• Sharp black-and-white contrast along the flanks

Similar species

• Clark's Grebe is nearly identical but has a brighter orange-yellow bill and white extending up around the eye rather than a black mask through it.
• No other North American grebe approaches its large size and long neck.

Habitat

Breeds on large, marshy freshwater lakes with extensive reedbeds; winters on coastal bays, estuaries, and large ice-free lakes.

Range

Breeds across western North America from central Canada to the western United States; winters along the Pacific coast and in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Migration

Migrates from inland breeding lakes to coastal or southern wintering grounds each year.

Behavior

Renowned for its elaborate "rushing" courtship display, in which pairs rear up and patter side by side across the water at speed with necks arched in unison; also performs a "weed dance" carrying vegetation in the bill.

Voice

Gives a distinctive two-noted, rolling "kreek-kreek" call.

Feeding

Dives to catch fish and aquatic invertebrates, using its sharp bill to spear or grasp prey.

Nesting

Breeds colonially, building a floating platform nest anchored in dense marsh vegetation; typically lays 3-4 bluish-white eggs.