Red-necked Grebe

The Red-necked Grebe, Podiceps grisegena, is a migratory aquatic bird gracing the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. In its non-breeding attire, it appears as a rather nondescript dusky-grey avian. However, come the breeding season, it dons a striking ensemble: a rusty red neck, a black cap, and a pale grey face, earning its common name.

Identification Tips

During the breeding season, the Red-necked Grebe can be readily identified by its vibrant neck plumage, contrasting with a black cap and pale cheeks. In winter, its plumage is more subdued, with a less defined grey cap and a pale crescent behind the face. The long, pointed bill is black with a yellow base, and the eyes are a deep brown. Juveniles and chicks exhibit distinctive striping on their heads and breasts.

Habitat

The Red-necked Grebe shows a preference for shallow freshwater environments for breeding, such as lakes, marshes, or fish-ponds, often surrounded by lush vegetation. In winter, it retreats to the calmer waters just beyond oceanic waves or large lakes.

Distribution

This species breeds across parts of Europe, Asia, and North America, with wintering grounds mainly along ocean coasts. It is a bird of passage, often seen in significant numbers at staging sites during migration.

Behaviour

The Red-necked Grebe is known for its elaborate courtship displays and a variety of loud mating calls. It is an adept swimmer and diver, often responding to threats by diving rather than taking flight. On land, its gait is somewhat awkward due to the placement of its feet near the tail.

Song & Calls

The breeding season brings a symphony of sounds from this species, including wailing and howling calls. Outside of this period, the Red-necked Grebe is generally silent.

Breeding

Breeding pairs engage in a ritualistic dance, complete with presentations of aquatic plants. They construct floating nests anchored to vegetation in shallow waters. The eggs are a dull white or pale blue, and chicks are known to ride on their parents' backs for warmth and safety.

Similar Species

In winter, the Red-necked Grebe can be confused with the Slavonian Grebe, but it is larger with a grey, not white, face. It also resembles the Eurasian Great Crested Grebe but lacks the latter's contrasting head pattern and white eye markings.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of invertebrates, fish, and crustaceans. The Red-necked Grebe is an opportunistic feeder, diving for aquatic prey or picking insects from vegetation. Intriguingly, it also ingests and feeds its young its own feathers, possibly to protect the digestive system from hard, indigestible materials.

Conservation Status

The Red-necked Grebe is classified as Least Concern, with a stable or growing global population. It is subject to conservation measures under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). While there are potential threats from pollution and habitat modification, these do not currently pose a significant risk to the species' overall population.