Podiceps grisegena
Length: 16-22 Weight: 2-4 lbs
Identification:
In breeding season, red neck with white cheek and black cap, slightly pointed in back of head. In winter, black and white with pale ear patch. Bill heavy yellow year round.
Distribution:
Breed in northwestern and central United States and Canada. Winter along the California coast and southeastern United States. Winter along the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts.
Cool Facts:
Red-necked Grebes (and other grebes) frequently carry their downy young on their backs while swimming, despite the fact that chicks can swim and dive on their own shortly after hatching.
The scientific name grisegena is Latin for “gray cheek,” referencing the distinctive light cheek patch in breeding adults.
Make your own bird cookies!
References:
Bird on the Move 