Bird · GBIF taxon 2482032
Clark's Grebe
Aechmophorus clarkiiClark's grebes are famous for their dramatic rushing display, where mating pairs rise completely out of the water and run side by side across the surface in synchronized sprints. They closely resemble Western grebes, but feature bright yellow bills and white feathers extending above and around their eyes. These diving birds build floating nests anchored to emergent vegetation on freshwater lakes and reservoirs across western North America.
WaterbirdDiving BirdMigratory
Licensed reference(c) Juan Carlos Pérez Magaña, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Aquatic insects
- Crustaceans
Predators
- Gulls
- Raptors
- Coyotes
ThreatsHabitat loss, water level fluctuations, line entanglement, oil spills
HabitatsFreshwater lakes, reservoirs, marshes, coastal bays, estuaries
Life span9–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPodicipedidae
- SpeciesAechmophorus clarkii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp bill can deliver a painful peck if cornered or handled during rescue; observe from a distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by a long slender neck, bright yellow bill, and white patch encircling the dark eye.
- Support conservation
- Keep motorized watercraft at slow speeds and stay at least 100 meters away from nesting colonies.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look for bright yellow bills and white feathers surrounding the eyes to distinguish them from Western grebes.
- Observation: Use binoculars or a spotting scope from lake shores to avoid disturbing floating nest colonies.
- Seasonality: Watch large freshwater lakes in spring and early summer to catch their spectacular rushing courtship.
Close Relative (c) Dan Vickers, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dan Vickers · cc-by
Family Member no rights reserved · cc0
Family Member 
Family Member Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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