Western Grebe

Identical in size and shape to Clark's Grebe, once considered to be a lighter morph of the Western Grebe.  Bill colors are slightly different, and the Clark's Grebe has white both above and below the eye.  Note that in winter, facial patterns are nearly identical for both species, making identification much more difficult.  They breed across much of the western United States and Canada, as well as in Mexico.  Mating pairs of  Western Grebes perform a spectacular mating display, paddling furiously across the surface in a very upright posture.

Habitat: Sloughs and shallow lakes with emergent vegetation. 

Diet: Mostly fish in all seasons. Occasionally eats insects, crustaceans, and salamanders.  

Behavior: Feeds by diving from the surface and swimming underwater for prey, propelling itself by its feet.  Western Grebes are very gregarious, forming loose breeding colonies during the summer, as well as forming close flocks in the winter.

Nesting: Late May through mid-July.

Song: Loud crick-kreek, or harsh whistled c-r-r-ee-er-r-r-ee.

Migration: Most Western Grebes winter on the Pacific Coast, with smaller numbers on interior waters in the Southwest and yet smaller numbers along the western Gulf Coast.

Interactive eBird map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Western Grebe sightings

Similar Species: Clark's Grebe.  See ID Key's for Western vs. Clark's Grebe.  Winter plumage Red-necked Grebes can also look roughly similar to Western Grebes.

Status: There is some evidence that they're susceptible to various environmental toxins such as insecticides, and that accumulation of these materials in a bird's system can result in dramatically reduced breeding success.  Population declines have occurred in parts of their range. However, they are still widespread and common in parts of their range. The IUCN lists the Western Grebe as a species of "Least Concern".

Further Information: 1) BirdWeb - Western Grebe

2) Audubon Guide - Western Grebe

3) Whatbird.com: Western Grebe

Photo Information: April 19th, 2007 - Point Reyes National Seashore, California - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Western Grebe photos.

 

Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view

South Dakota Status: Common migrant throughout the state.  Common summer breeding resident in the northeast, uncommon elsewhere in the state in summer.

Additional Western Grebe Photos
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