adult; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2009-03-15)


Western Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalis

Native Range: North America and Middle America

Notes: similar to Clark's Grebe and formerly considered conspecific with it, but has more black or dark gray on the face, and a greenish-yellow (rather than yellow or yellow-orange) bill; both species are large, slender , long-necked; they matequite assortatively but sometimes also hybridize.

long thin neck with black dorsal stripe (California, USA; 2007-05-13)
acting intimidating; red eyes, raised crest (California, USA; 2011-04-17)

thin, greenish-yellow bill (California, USA; 2006-11-12)
slim graceful swimmer with lobed toes (California, USA; 2006-11-12)

curious about photographer (California, USA; 2007-11-17)
flock on open water (California, USA; 2007-02-24)

courting pair (California, USA; 2006-03-31)
somewhat darker when in breeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-05-13)

posing for portrait (California, USA; 2011-04-17)