Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Grebes

Grebes are a distinct and fascinating group of small to medium-large aquatic diving birds that belong to the order Podicipediformes. These birds are found worldwide, from freshwater lakes to marine habitats during migration and winter, with grebes even including some flightless species. The grebe family, Podicipedidae, comprises 22 species across six genera, known for their specialized lobed toes suited for swimming, diving, and somewhat awkward movement on land. Often monogamous, grebes are celebrated for their elaborate courtship dances and floating nests where they lay several eggs. Their conservation status is concerning with a third of species facing various threats such as habitat loss, invasive species, and hunting, which have already led to the extinction of three grebe species. Grebes bear a unique appearance with dense, waterproof plumage that can be ornate during the breeding season but more subdued in winter. They have the ability to regulate their buoyancy and, uniquely, are known to ingest their feathers, potentially aiding in digestion and protection against parasites. Although they resemble loons and coots and were historically associated with them, grebes are actually more closely related to flamingos, as determined by anatomical, molecular, and paleontological studies. Their fossil record suggests they likely originated in the Southern Hemisphere, with an incomplete record that indicates a sudden appearance 23–25 million years ago. Today, grebes are found worldwide except in the Arctic and extremely arid environments. Some species are resident while others migrate between freshwater breeding sites and coastal marine environments for winter. Their diet ranges from small aquatic invertebrates to mid-depth fish, depending on the species and bill shape. Grebes have a complex reproductive behavior, including courtship rituals like synchronized swimming and dances with aquatic vegetation. After these displays, they construct nests on the water, and both parents partake in rearing the young, who often ride on their parents' backs for safety. Grebes also play host to a variety of parasites, both internal and external, including an array of worms and lice. Preserving grebe populations requires attention to threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species. Without action, more species risk becoming extinct, similar to the unfortunate fate of lake-endemic relatives like the Alaotra grebe, the Atitlán grebe, and the Colombian grebe.

Regions

A photo of a Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis
A photo of a Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii)

Clark's Grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii
A photo of a Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus)

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus
A photo of a Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps
A photo of a Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena
A photo of a Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus)

Slavonian Grebe

Podiceps auritus
A photo of a Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.
1
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Species Categories

AccentorsAfrican & New World ParrotsAlbatrossesAnhingas, DartersAuksAustral Storm PetrelsBulbulsBuntingsBushtitsCaracaras, FalconsCardinals & AlliesChachalacas, Curassows, GuansChats, Old World FlycatchersCormorants, ShagsCoursers, PratincolesCranesCrows, JaysCuckoosDippersDucks, Geese, SwansFinches, EuphoniasFinfootsFlamingosFrigatebirdsGannets, BoobiesGnatcatchersGoldcrests, KingletsGrassbirds & AlliesGrebesGulls, Terns, SkimmersHerons, BitternsHoopoesHummingbirdsIbises, SpoonbillsJacanasKingfishersKites, Hawks, EaglesLarksLeaf Warblers & AlliesLimpkinLongspurs, Snow BuntingsLoonsMockingbirds, ThrashersNew World QuailNew World SparrowsNew World VulturesNew World WarblersNightjarsNorthern Storm PetrelsNuthatchesOld World ParrotsOld World Sparrows, SnowfinchesOlive WarblerOropendolas, Orioles, BlackbirdsOspreysOwlsOystercatchersParrotbills & AlliesPelicansPenduline TitsPetrels, Shearwaters, Diving PetrelsPheasants & AlliesPigeons, DovesPloversRails, Crakes & CootsReed Warblers & AlliesSandpipers, SnipesShrikesSilky-flycatchersSkuasSpindalisesStarlings, RhabdornisStilts, AvocetsStone-curlews, Thick-kneesStorksSwallows, MartinsSwiftsSylviid BabblersTanagers & AlliesThrushesTits, ChickadeesTityras, Becards, SharpbillTreecreepersTrogonsTropicbirdsTyrant Flycatchers, CalypturaVireos, Greenlets, Shrike-babblersWagtails, PipitsWaxbills, Munias & AlliesWaxwingsWoodpeckersWrensYellow-breasted Chat

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.