Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Horned Grebe is a small waterbird with distinctive breeding plumage and a short, dagger-like bill. In summer, it displays a black head with golden 'horns', a chestnut neck, and a black-and-white body. The eyes are bright red, contrasting sharply with the dark head.
Females are similar to males, although they are smaller and less colorful in the breeding season.
In winter, the plumage becomes more subdued, with a black cap, white cheeks, and grayish body. Juveniles resemble winter adults but with striped faces.
Size
Length
31cm to 38cm
Wingspan
55cm to 64cm
Weight
300g to 570g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black Brown White
Secondary Colour
Red Yellow
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Horned Grebes breed on small freshwater ponds and lakes in northern regions of North America and Eurasia. They prefer shallow waters with abundant vegetation for nesting.
During winter, they migrate to coastal waters and large inland lakes. In North America, they can be found along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as on the Great Lakes.
Despite being a rare species in the UK, Slavonian Grebes can be seen at all times of the year. A small breeding population of less than thirty pairs nests on lochs in the northeast of Scotland each summer.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Horned 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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Horned Grebe demonstrates remarkable agility in water, with excellent swimming and diving abilities. Their quick, sudden movements and ability to adjust buoyancy for vertical sinking showcase their high agility in aquatic environments.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong for their size, Horned Grebes possess sufficient strength for their aquatic lifestyle. They can dive effectively and carry materials for nest building, indicating moderate strength relative to their small size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Horned Grebes show good adaptability, thriving in both freshwater and coastal environments. Their ability to adjust to seasonal changes, migrate long distances, and modify their diet demonstrates considerable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These birds are not particularly aggressive, typically being solitary or found in pairs. However, they likely display some aggression in defending nests and territories during breeding season, warranting a moderate aggression rating.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Horned Grebes exhibit high endurance, evidenced by their long-distance migrations, ability to dive for 30-40 seconds at a time, and capacity to breed in challenging northern environments. Their chicks' early diving abilities also suggest inherent endurance.
Diet
Horned Grebes primarily feed on aquatic insects, small fish, and crustaceans. They hunt by diving underwater, using their feet for propulsion and their sharp bill to catch prey.
During the breeding season, they may focus on freshwater invertebrates like beetles, dragonflies, and caddisflies and also consume plant material to supplement their diet.
Behaviour
Horned Grebes are excellent swimmers and divers, often seen diving for food with quick, sudden movements. They are generally solitary or found in pairs during breeding season but may form small flocks during migration and winter.
These birds perform elaborate courtship displays, including synchronized swimming and diving.
Vocalisation
Horned Grebes have a variety of vocalizations, particularly during breeding season. Their most distinctive call is a high-pitched, trilling 'pee-yeep' or 'pee-eep', often given in a series. During courtship, pairs may engage in duets, producing synchronized, rapid 'prrrt-prrrt' calls.
Nesting & Breeding
Horned Grebes form monogamous pairs each breeding season, typically from May to August. They engage in elaborate courtship displays, including synchronized swimming and offering of water plants to potential mates.
Nests are floating platforms of aquatic vegetation anchored to emergent plants. Females lay 2-7 pale blue eggs, which become stained brown over time.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 23-25 days. Chicks can swim immediately after hatching and are often seen riding on their parents' backs for protection and warmth.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Horned Grebe is classified as Vulnerable due to population declines across its range. Threats include habitat loss, particularly the drainage of wetlands, oil spills, and other forms of water pollution. Climate change also poses a significant threat to their breeding habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Horned Grebes on calm lakes and coastal waters
- Observe their distinctive diving behavior, often submerging for 30-40 seconds
- Listen for their high-pitched, trilling calls during breeding season
- In North America, watch for them during spring and fall migrations on inland waters
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include large fish, birds of prey such as eagles and gulls, and mammals like minks and raccoons, particularly targeting eggs and young.
Did You Know?
- Horned Grebes can adjust their buoyancy to sink vertically in water, with only their head above the surface.
- They ingest their own feathers to line their stomachs and protect against sharp fish bones.
- Chicks can dive underwater to escape danger within hours of hatching.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Podiceps auritus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22696606A132066871.
View source - 2 3
report, 2012: Wetlands International
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