ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Horned Grebe

 Horned Grebe

horned grebe
 Most birds, including the horned grebe, molt into their beautiful breeding plumage after they arrive on the breeding grounds, so most Ohio birds are in much drabber gray and black basic plumage.


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Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: June-August

• Incubation: 23-24 days

• Clutch Size: 3-8 eggs

• Young Fledge: 45-60 days after hatching

• Typical foods: aquatic arthropods, fish, and crustaceans
Description
The horned grebe is the size of pied-billed grebe. Breeding plumaged horned grebes pass through in small numbers in spring, and are stunning sights with their golden ear tufts, and reddish-rufous and black plumage.

Habitat and Habits
While not often heard outside the breeding grounds, which are primarily in western Canada, horned grebes make a high-pitched series of squealing notes -- very different from the pied-billed grebe. Preferred habitats include open water of lakes, ponds, and large rivers.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Nests are made of floating vegetation in marshes. Both sexes build the nest, incubate the eggs, and raise the chicks. The young are born precocial, but usually ride on their parents' backs for the first 10 days after hatching.