Species Profile
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegena
Red-necked Grebe
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Holboell's Grebe
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Appearance
The Red-necked Grebe is a striking waterbird with a distinctive reddish-brown neck, contrasting sharply with its gray body and black cap. Its stout, dark bill and piercing red eyes add to its unique appearance.
During the breeding season, adults display more vibrant colors, while non-breeding plumage is duller. Females are similar to males but generally have more of a dull and less bright plumage, with much more subdued colors.
Juveniles lack the red neck, instead showing a striped face and neck pattern.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Red-necked Grebes inhabit freshwater lakes, marshes, and coastal bays across northern Eurasia and North America. They prefer large, deep bodies of water with abundant fish populations and emergent vegetation for nesting.
During winter, they migrate to coastal areas and large inland lakes. In North America, they are found along both coasts and the Great Lakes region, while in Europe, they frequent the Baltic and North Seas.
In the UK, breeding sites are kept secret to avoid potential disturbances, but in the past, they have been on the Scottish coast and near The Wash estuary. Winter sightings have been made off the eastern coast of the British Isles, particularly in south-east England.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
Red-necked Grebes primarily feed on fish, supplementing their diet with aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are skilled hunters, using their sharp bill to catch prey underwater. These birds often swallow small pebbles to aid in digestion.
Behaviour
Red-necked Grebes are excellent swimmers and divers, often seen diving for extended periods while foraging. They are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which include synchronized swimming and ritualized head-shaking behaviors.
These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs, becoming more social during migration.
Calls & Sounds
Red-necked Grebes have a diverse vocal repertoire. Their most distinctive call is a loud, wailing 'kee-arr' or 'kree-arr', often heard during the breeding season.
They also produce softer 'wup' or 'whup' sounds for communication between mates and with their young.
Nesting & Breeding
Red-necked Grebes form monogamous pairs and engage in elaborate courtship displays before breeding. The breeding season typically begins in late spring, varying by location.
Nests are constructed as floating platforms anchored to emergent vegetation, often in shallow water. Females lay 2-5 pale blue eggs, which become stained brown over time.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 22-25 days. Chicks are precocial, often seen riding on their parents' backs for the first few weeks after hatching. They fledge at 7-9 weeks old.
Conservation
While the Red-necked Grebe is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss, oil spills, and entanglement in fishing gear.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and reducing water pollution to maintain healthy populations.
Elevation
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators of Red-necked Grebes include large birds of prey such as eagles and gulls, as well as mammals like raccoons and minks that may raid nests.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Red-necked Grebes on large, deep lakes and coastal bays
- Listen for their distinctive loud, wailing calls during breeding season
- Observe their diving behavior, as they often stay submerged for up to 30 seconds, with the ability to stay under 1 minute
- In North America, watch for them during spring and fall migrations on large bodies of water
Did You Know?
- Red-necked Grebes eat their own feathers and feed them to their chicks to aid in digestion.
- They can adjust their buoyancy in water by compressing their plumage and releasing air from their air sacs.
- These birds are rarely seen on land due to their legs being positioned far back on their bodies.
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