The most abundant grebe in the world, the Eared Grebe is a small waterbird with a very thin bill and a bright red eye. In the summer months, golden wisps fan out from their cheeks as they dance and run across the water courting.

The Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) known for its distinctive rust-red neck, boasts a black cap and a silver face during the summer season. However, in winter, its neck takes on a dusky hue, and its face becomes whitish.

A common grebe of freshwater lakes in the west. Gregarious at all seasons; nests in dense colonies, sometimes congregates in huge numbers on lakes during migration and winter. Probably as an adaptation to life in the arid west, it is flexible in distribution, quickly taking advantage of temporary or man-made new bodies of water.

Both names refer to telltale ID features of this small waterbird, which is an eye-catching sight in its breeding plumage of black and rufous, set off by a wispy fan of golden plumes behind each vivid red eye. Its plainer winter plumage is a mixture of gray, black, and white.

May 27, 2024 · Eared grebes possess red eyes and a short, thin black bill. During the breeding season, the head, neck, breast, and upper wings appear blackish-brown, hence their other common name, the black-necked grebe.

Small, compact grebe with thin pointed bill. Breeding adults mostly black with chestnut flanks; look for wispy golden plumes on cheek and peaked head shape. In winter, grayish overall with a dark cap blending into the dark cheek, and a smudgy dark neck. Red eye visible at close range.

Jun 19, 2021 · Why do birds have red eyes? It’s hard to say. In some cases, it’s thought to help their vision in darker conditions. Grebes usually dive for food, so it may be that having more light-sensitive vision will aid them underwater. The common loon is another example of a diving bird that sports red eyes.

The tufts on the sides of the head are orange, anteriorly more yellow, posteriorly red; the head and upper part of the neck are deep black; the rest of the upper parts brownish-black, the wings greyish-brown, with a broad patch of white, the secondary quills being of that colour.

A small, red-eyed grebe, these birds are gray and white throughout the winter months but become sleek black on top, chestnut underneath with golden feathers fanning out from behind their eyes during the breeding season.

Dec 2, 2024 · The Red-necked Grebe is considered a rare sight in the UK mainly because it is primarily spotted as a winter visitor from the Continent to the UK's east coast. This bird is distinguished by its stocky build, thick neck, and distinctive dark bill with a yellow base.