adult in breeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-05-06)


Black-necked (or Eared) Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis

Native Range: Eurasia, Africa, North America and Middle America

Notes: a small buoyant grebe; often fluffs rear feathers creating a high-stern profile when swimming; dives for crayfish and other such food items; bill slender and slightly upturned; toes are lobed (bordered by webbing) rather than fully webbed; no sexual dimorphism.


adult in nonbreeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-10-14)

adult in breeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-05-06)

nonbreeding (left) and breeding plumages (California, USA; 2009-04-19)

adult in nonbreeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-01-07)
swimming group in nonbreeding plumage (California, USA; 2007-02-04) diving in search of food; note lobed toes (California, USA; 2007-05-06)
posing for portrait (California, USA; 2007-05-06)