Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

A whimsical waterbird with striking golden "horns," this small grebe transforms from drab to dazzling during the breeding season.

Share this bird:

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

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Horned Grebe can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Horned Grebe can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Horned Grebe is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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