Western Grebe

Western Grebes are a medium-sized waterbird (22-30 in) with a long, white neck, a black head and back, and a white underside. They have a long, thin, yellow bill and red eyes.

Western Grebes nest in colonies on freshwater lakes and marshes in western Canada and the United States. Flocks winter along the Pacific coast in sheltered bays or estuaries. Some birds may live year-round in the southwest.

The birds dive from the surface, swimming underwater to catch fish, thrusting their neck forward and spearing it with their bill.

Nests are usually built on floating vegetation.

Did you know? The young climb onto their parent's back minutes after hatching. The bare yellow skin on top of their head turns bright red when they are begging for food or separated from their parents.

See Also: Common Merganser, Goldeneye, Loon, Mallard, Wood Duck

Hard - can be difficult to spot. They may be few in number or not readily visible (for example, underground).

Oceans are large bodies of salt water. This habitat includes seas and oceans as well as their beaches and coastlines.

Wetlands are low-lying areas that are covered by water all or most of the time and support a variety of aquatic plants. This habitat includes rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, bogs, and marshes.