Western Grebe

Overview

Western Grebe: Large, long-necked grebe with dark gray upperparts, white underparts, gray sides and flanks. Lower face and front of neck are white; black cap extends below eye. Back of neck is black. Eyes are red. Bill is long, thin, and dull olive-yellow. Wings have white stripes visible in flight.

Range and Habitat

Western Grebe: Breeds from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Minnesota south to southern California. Occasionally found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Winters along the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to California, on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas. Preferred habitats include large lakes with reeds or rushes, shallow coastal bays, and estuaries.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Western Grebe was first described in 1858 by Sir William Lawrence, an English surgeon and biologist. Folk names for this bird include Dabchick, Swan Grebe, and Swan-necked Grebe. It is the largest North American grebe. A group of grebes are collectively known as a "water dance" of grebes.