Hooded Grebe

The Hooded Grebe, known scientifically as Podiceps gallardoi, is a medium-sized bird that graces the southern reaches of Argentina with its presence. Measuring approximately 32 cm in length, this species exhibits a striking black and white plumage.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Hooded Grebe, look for the following distinctive features:

• A dark grey back extending to the hind neck
• A black head with a starkly contrasting white forehead
• A red, peaked forecrown that adds a touch of color to its appearance
• White flanks that are extensive and prominent

Habitat

During the breeding season, the Hooded Grebe favors the isolated basaltic lakes of the Patagonian steppes, nestled between elevations of 500 to 1,200 meters. These lakes are rich with the aquatic vegetation that is crucial for both nesting and feeding.

Distribution

This grebe's breeding sites are primarily located in the basaltic lakes of Santa Cruz, southwest Argentina. Come winter, the species migrates to the estuaries of río Coyle, río Gallegos, and río Chico along the Atlantic coast of Santa Cruz. There have been occasional sightings in Magallanes, southern Chile, and a rare observation at Laguna Blanca.

Behaviour

The Hooded Grebe is a colonial nester, with colonies sometimes numbering up to 130 pairs. Its breeding season spans from October to March. Despite the abundance of resources for adult survival, leading to low adult mortality, the species suffers from a very low reproductive rate.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in colonies, and the grebe utilizes the aquatic vegetation, particularly Myriophyllum elatinoides, to construct its nests. The average number of young reared per adult annually is a mere 0.2, indicating a challenging reproductive environment.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Hooded Grebe consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates. Chicks, for instance, are fed aquatic beetles from the genus Limnaea during their first week after hatching.

Conservation status

The Hooded Grebe is currently classified as Critically Endangered. The species faces threats from predation, habitat degradation due to excessive grazing, and the introduction of non-native species such as trout and salmon. Climate change also poses a significant threat, with changing precipitation patterns affecting the water levels in their breeding habitats.

Conservation actions underway

Conservation efforts include the declaration of Laguna Los Escarchados as a reserve and the partial protection of the Meseta de Strobel population due to its inaccessibility. A documentary titled 'Tango in the Wind' has been produced to highlight the plight and conservation of this species.

Conservation actions proposed

Proposed actions to aid the survival of the Hooded Grebe include continued monitoring of breeding colonies and wintering grounds, the expansion of the 'Colony Guardian' program, the removal of invasive American Mink from high plateau habitats, and the control of Kelp Gull populations at breeding sites. Additionally, there is a call to increase awareness of the impacts of introducing salmonids and to establish the species as a National Natural Monument.