Pied-billed Grebe
Least ConcernPodilymbus podiceps
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Pied-billed Grebe is a small, chunky waterbird with a distinctive thick, compressed bill. Its plumage is primarily brown and grey, with white underneath and on the undertail. During the breeding season, the bill develops a black ring, and the throat becomes black, giving the bird its name.
In winter, the plumage becomes duller brown, and the black ring on the bill typically fades. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but often have striped faces and necks, with an orange-reddish bill instead of the adult's bluish-white.
Size
Length
31cm to 38cm
Wingspan
45cm to 62cm
Weight
253g to 568g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Pied-billed Grebes inhabit a wide range of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They prefer areas with dense aquatic vegetation for cover and nesting. These birds are found across much of North and South America.
In the United States, they are year-round residents in many southern states and along the coasts. Northern populations migrate south for winter, while some birds in temperate regions may stay if water remains open.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,100 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Pied-billed 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.
Exceptional underwater manoeuvrability and diving capabilities, with precise buoyancy control. While awkward on land, their aquatic agility is remarkable, allowing them to quickly submerge and navigate through dense vegetation.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Moderate strength for their size, sufficient to crush hard-shelled prey like crayfish. Their chunky build and powerful legs enable effective diving and swimming, though they're not particularly powerful compared to larger waterbirds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species thriving across diverse freshwater habitats from sea level to 3,100 metres. Their ability to control buoyancy, survive in various climates, and adjust their behaviour for different prey demonstrates remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally peaceful and solitary birds, preferring to avoid conflict by diving away from threats rather than confronting them. They display territorial behaviour mainly during breeding season but aren't notably aggressive.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Strong diving endurance, capable of extended underwater foraging sessions and staying submerged for up to 30 seconds. Their ability to migrate significant distances and maintain active feeding patterns throughout the day shows solid stamina.
Diet
Pied-billed Grebes are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. They use their strong bill to crush hard-shelled prey like crayfish.
These birds often dive to catch food, sometimes staying submerged for up to 30 seconds.
Behaviour
Pied-billed Grebes are excellent swimmers and divers, often submerging quietly rather than flying when disturbed. They have the unique ability to control their buoyancy, sometimes floating with only their head above water.
These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs, rarely forming large flocks.
Vocalisation
The Pied-billed Grebe has a distinctive vocalization, often described as a series of cow-like notes: 'cow-cow-cow-cow-cow-cow-cow'.
During the breeding season, they also produce a loud, descending 'whoop, whoop, whoop' call. In alarm, they emit a sharp 'kek-kek-kek' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Pied-billed Grebes typically occurs from spring to early summer. Pairs form monogamous bonds and engage in courtship displays, including synchronized diving and platform-building.
Nests are floating platforms of aquatic vegetation anchored to standing plants. Females lay 2-10 pale blue eggs, which become stained brown over time. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
Incubation lasts about 23 days. Chicks are precocial, able to swim shortly after hatching, but often ride on their parents' backs for protection. They fledge at 3-4 weeks but may be fed by parents for up to 10 weeks.
Lifespan
The Pied-billed Grebe typically lives for 3 to 5 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Pied-billed Grebe is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to wetland drainage and pollution. Climate change may also impact its breeding habitats.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland ecosystems.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers
- Listen for their distinctive 'cow-cow-cow-cow-cow-cow-cow' call
- Observe early morning or late evening when they're most active
- Watch for their sudden disappearances as they dive underwater
- In the US, they're year-round residents in many southern states
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
American Dabchick, Dabchick, Carolina Grebe, Devil-diver, Dive-dapper, Hell-diver, Pied-billed Dabchick, Thick-billed grebe, Water Witch
Family:
PodicipedidaePredators
Main predators include large fish, snapping turtles, raccoons, minks, and birds of prey such as hawks and herons.
Did You Know?
- Pied-billed Grebes can trap water in their feathers to control buoyancy, sinking lower in the water when threatened.
- They often eat their own feathers and feed them to their young, possibly to protect their digestive tracts from sharp fish bones.
- Despite being excellent swimmers, their feet are placed far back on their bodies, making them awkward on land.
Community Experience
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Podilymbus podiceps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22696574A138962202.
View source - 1 4
report, 2020: Partners in Flight, Wetlands International
- 3
website, 2020: Partners in Flight
View source
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