Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

This elegant waterbird transforms from a dusky gray to a striking golden-eared beauty during the breeding season.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Black-necked Grebe is a small waterbird with distinctive breeding plumage. It displays a black head and neck in summer, contrasting sharply with its bright chestnut flanks. The eyes are deep red, accentuated by golden ear tufts.

The plumage becomes duller in winter, with a white throat and grayish-black upper parts. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but with striped faces.

Size

Length

28cm to 34cm

Wingspan

56cm to 60cm

Weight

200g to 450g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Red Yellow

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Black-necked Grebe can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Black-necked Grebe can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Black-necked Grebe is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Black-necked Grebes inhabit freshwater lakes, marshes, and coastal lagoons across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. They prefer shallow, productive waters with abundant aquatic vegetation for nesting and foraging.

In North America, they are known as Eared Grebes and are common in western states. They are scarce breeders in the UK but more numerous in winter, particularly along the south coast.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,500 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Black-necked Grebe. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons