The black-necked grebe is a small aquatic bird known for its graceful movements on water and striking appearance. This species belongs to the grebe family, a group of diving waterbirds found across the globe.
Identifying Characteristics
The black-necked grebe measures approximately 28 to 34 centimeters in length with a wingspan of 56 to 60 centimeters, weighing between 250 and 360 grams. During the breeding season, it displays a distinct black head and neck, contrasted by golden-yellow feather tufts behind its eyes. Its body is mostly black with burnt orange-brown underparts, and its forehead slopes steeply, giving its head a peaked appearance.
In its non-breeding plumage, the black-necked grebe appears less vibrant, often mistaken for a Slavonian grebe due to a darker throat and a smaller white patch under the eye. It has a black bill and reddish eyes. The grebe also exhibits an upright posture when swimming and dives swiftly, often disappearing beneath the surface for extended periods.
Where They Live and Travel
Black-necked grebes favor shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes with ample vegetation. These habitats often feature extensive fringing plants and floating aquatic vegetation, providing shelter from strong winds. While they breed in freshwater, they migrate to saline lakes or coastal waters for wintering.
Some populations undertake long migratory journeys, with certain European grebes traveling from southern Europe or beyond to their breeding grounds. The species is found across parts of Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas. Though they no longer breed in Ireland, some winter visitors can be observed in the southeastern parts of the country.
What They Eat and How They Hunt
The black-necked grebe primarily eats aquatic invertebrates, including insects like water beetles, flies, and their larvae. They also consume small crustaceans such as brine shrimp, snails, and other mollusks, occasionally eating small fish and aquatic plants. Their diet can vary with the season and habitat.
These grebes are skilled hunters. They are adept divers, often submerging for 20 to 30 seconds to pursue prey underwater. They also forage by gleaning foliage, picking items off the water’s surface, and capturing flying insects.
Raising Their Young
Black-necked grebes form new pair bonds each breeding season, engaging in courtship displays before nesting. Both parents participate in building their nest, a floating structure made of plant matter. These nests are often anchored to lake vegetation in shallow water, with the bottom of the cup level with the water surface.
A clutch consists of 3 to 4 eggs, each weighing approximately 21 grams, incubated for 20 to 22 days. After hatching, the precocial chicks are fed by their parents, initially receiving soft-bodied prey like insect larvae for easy digestion. As the chicks grow, their diet expands to include small crustaceans and fish.
Parents carrying their young on their backs offers protection and warmth. This practice continues until the young are strong enough to forage independently.