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Eared grebes are similar to, but much rarer than horned grebes. We get less than a dozen reports of this species during most years. The eared grebe is a westerner, breeding throughout much of the western United States. Breeding plumaged birds are distinctive, but most records are of drab, basic plumaged birds. |
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Eared Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis
At-a-Glance
• Incubation: 20-22 days
• Clutch Size: 1-6 eggs
• Young Fledge: 21 days after hatching
• Typical foods: aquatic arthropods, fish, and crustaceans
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Description
The eared grebe is about the size of the pied-billed grebe, but darker. The males have a dark crest on top of the head and noticeable ear tufts on the sides of the head. The hen has a white spot behind the eye. Unlike the pied-billed grebe, its rump is dark.
Habitat and Habits
Eared grebes typically inhabit marshy lakes and ponds, but can be seen in the ocean in the winter. They are not likely to be heard here, but eared grebes make a variety of chattering notes, and their song is suggestive of a sora.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
The nest is laid on a floating mass of vegetation in a marsh. Eared grebes usually nest in large colonies. |
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