Pied-billed Grebe

General Description

A small grebe with a thick, relatively short bill, the Pied-billed Grebe is grayish-brown with lighter underparts. Juveniles and adults have similar plumages, but during the breeding season adults have black at the throat and a whitish bill with a black band.

Pied-billed Grebes are Common in Western Washington year round.

Habitat

During the breeding season, Pied-billed Grebes are found at low elevations in ponds, lakes, and marshes. Nesting areas typically have emergent vegetation to which these birds anchor their nests and open water in which they can forage. During the winter they are found on both fresh and salt water, although they are much more likely to be found on fresh water. More open water is used during winter, as the birds do not have nests to anchor at this time. Pied-billed Grebes often use areas near rivers, typically bodies of still water. In migration Pied-billed Grebes can be found at higher elevations, even in mountain lakes.

Behavior

Pied-billed Grebes are less social than most species of grebes and are rarely found in flocks. When disturbed, they dive headfirst under water, or they sink slowly into the water until only their heads are above water, like submarine periscopes. The courtship displays of Pied-billed Grebes are less ritualized than those of other grebes, but still include much calling, sometimes in duet.

Non Breeding Male

Breeding Male