Bird
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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preySmall 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
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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