Bird · GBIF taxon 2482033
Western Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalisAlso known as Swan Grebe
The Western Grebe is a long-necked black-and-white waterbird with red eyes and a slender yellow-green bill. Pairs perform dramatic rushing displays across the water, while everyday dives pursue fish well below the surface.
Diving BirdCourtship DisplayFreshwater Colony
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Aquatic insects
- Crustaceans
Predators
- Bald Eagles
- Gulls
- Large fish
ThreatsWater-level change, fishing gear, oil pollution, boat disturbance, reduced fish, and colony flooding
HabitatsLarge lakes, marshy reservoirs, sheltered bays, estuaries, and coastal water outside breeding season
Life spanOften more than a decade; some banded grebes have lived considerably longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPodicipedidae
- SpeciesAechmophorus occidentalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Keep boats and paddlers well away from floating nests and grouped young.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Black crown color extends below the red eye on a Western Grebe.
- Watch: Observe paired head movements without approaching a displaying group.
- Distance: Give reed-edge colonies and floating nests a wide buffer.
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