Red-necked Grebe — Length: 19 inches, Wing span: 24 inches
Red-necked Grebes are known for the wide variety of elaborate courtship displays they participate in, although these are not as common on the breeding grounds as one might expect given that many pairs have formed prior to reaching breeding areas. Storms can produce waves which destroy many Red-necked Grebe nests and eggs.
Red-necked Grebes are very territorial, not only against other Red-necked Grebes but also against other water birds. A variety of chases and attacks are used, including an underwater attack in which the grebe swims underneath the intruder and jabs its underside with its bill.
The Red-necked Grebe is a large grebe with a yellowish bill, dark gray upperparts, and a white throat and cheeks. The reddish neck and breast in breeding plumage give it its name.
When in breeding plumage it is not easily confused with other species. Winter plumage somewhat resembles Earned or Horned Grebe but bill is much larger.
Sexes are similar.
Courtship display. Black crown, black stripe on back of neck extends down to the dark back. White cheek and chin. Red throat and foreneck. Photograph © Elaine Wilson.
Note the bill color. The amount of yellow on the bill is variable. Typically more yellow on the lower mandible, especially in non-breeding birds. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
Crest up in courtship display. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
The breast and neck become whitish in the winter. There is less black and more yellow on the bill in non-breeding plumage. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
The bill is large and heavy. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
The amount of white on the neck varies. First winter birds have less white on the side of the head while adults will show more white extending to the back of the head and behind the eye. Compare this bird to the one above. Photograph © Glenn Bartley.
Home-sweet-home. Photograph © Alan Wilson.
Dinner time. Photograph © Elaine Wilson.
Typical with grebes, legs are well back on the body, great for swimming. Photograph © Alan Wilson.
Juveniles have black and white stripes on the face even when older than this alien-looking baby grebe. Photograph © Alan Wilson.