The Horned Grebe or Slavonian Grebe, Podiceps auritus, is a member of the grebe family of water birds.
It is a small grebe at 31–38 cm (12–15 in) long with a 46–55 cm wingspan. Unmistakable in summer, the male's plumage includes a black head with brown puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep red neck, scarlet eyes, and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. It rides high in the water.
Slavonian Grebes breed in ve...
more
The Horned Grebe or Slavonian Grebe, Podiceps auritus, is a member of the grebe family of water birds.
It is a small grebe at 31–38 cm (12–15 in) long with a 46–55 cm wingspan. Unmistakable in summer, the male's plumage includes a black head with brown puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep red neck, scarlet eyes, and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. It rides high in the water.
Slavonian Grebes breed in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. During this time, this small grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap.
Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it cannot walk well. Usually two eggs are laid, and the striped young are sometimes carried on the adult's back.
The Slavonian Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish...
less
