Pied-billed Grebe

The Pied-billed Grebe is a small, chunky waterbird with a distinctive thick, compressed bill. Its plumage is primarily brown and grey, with white underneath and on the undertail. During the breeding season, the bill develops a black ring, and the throat becomes black, giving the bird its name.

In winter, the plumage becomes duller brown, and the black ring on the bill typically fades. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but often have striped faces and necks, with an orange-reddish bill instead of the adult's bluish-white.

The Pied-billed Grebe has a distinctive vocalization, often described as a series of cow-like notes: 'cow-cow-cow-cow-cow-cow-cow'.

During the breeding season, they also produce a loud, descending 'whoop, whoop, whoop' call. In alarm, they emit a sharp 'kek-kek-kek' sound.

• Look for them in freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers
• Listen for their distinctive 'cow-cow-cow-cow-cow-cow-cow' call
• Observe early morning or late evening when they're most active
• Watch for their sudden disappearances as they dive underwater
• In the US, they're year-round residents in many southern states

Pied-billed Grebes are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. They use their strong bill to crush hard-shelled prey like crayfish.

These birds often dive to catch food, sometimes staying submerged for up to 30 seconds.

Breeding season for Pied-billed Grebes typically occurs from spring to early summer. Pairs form monogamous bonds and engage in courtship displays, including synchronized diving and platform-building.

Nests are floating platforms of aquatic vegetation anchored to standing plants. Females lay 2-10 pale blue eggs, which become stained brown over time. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.

Incubation lasts about 23 days. Chicks are precocial, able to swim shortly after hatching, but often ride on their parents' backs for protection. They fledge at 3-4 weeks but may be fed by parents for up to 10 weeks.

Pied-billed Grebes are excellent swimmers and divers, often submerging quietly rather than flying when disturbed. They have the unique ability to control their buoyancy, sometimes floating with only their head above water.

These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs, rarely forming large flocks.

While the Pied-billed Grebe is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to wetland drainage and pollution. Climate change may also impact its breeding habitats.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland ecosystems.