Podiceps auritus
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.
Length
31cm to 38cm
Wingspan
55cm to 64cm
Weight
300g to 570g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black Brown White
Secondary Colour
Red Yellow
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Up to 1,000 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
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:
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