Length: 12.5 inches | Wingspan: 22 inches | Seasonality: Summer |
ID Keys: Summer plumage in South Dakota is black neck with gold ear tufts |
Eared
Grebes are a fairly common grebe in the state, more so than
the similar Horned Grebe. They are
also found in parts of Europe and Asia, where they are called the "Black-necked
Grebe". They are a very gregarious bird, often breeding in very
large colonies, and often migrating together in huge flocks. The
"ear" of the Eared Grebe is a tuft of gold feathers behind the eye
that appears during breeding season. The photo on the right is of a pair
of birds
in breeding plumage. Neck color is a distinguishing mark used to differentiate
summer plumage Eared Grebes and Horned Grebes.
2) Audubon Guide - Eared Grebe
Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view |
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South Dakota Status: Common migrant throughout the state. Common summer resident in the eastern part of the state. |