Black-necked grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

The black-necked grebe or eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) is a member of the grebe family of water birds.

Family: Podicipedidae Order: Podicipediformes Conservation: Least Concern

About the Black-necked grebe

The black-necked grebe or eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It was described in 1831 by Christian Ludwig Brehm. Its breeding plumage features distinctive ochre-coloured feathers which extend behind its eye and over its ear coverts. The rest of the upper parts, including the head, neck, and breast, are coloured black to blackish brown. The flanks are tawny rufous to maroon-chestnut, and the abdomen is white. In its non-breeding plumage, this bird has greyish-black upper parts, including the top of the head and a vertical stripe on the back of the neck. The flanks are also greyish-black. The rest of the body is a white or whitish colour. The juvenile has more brown in its darker areas. This species is present in parts of Africa, Eurasia, and t

Fun Facts About Black-necked grebe

Although it generally avoids flight, the black-necked grebe travels as far as 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) during migration.
Its breeding plumage features distinctive ochre-coloured feathers which extend behind its eye and over its ear coverts.
In its non-breeding plumage, this bird has greyish-black upper parts, including the top of the head and a vertical stripe on the back of the neck.
After this, the chicks become independent in about 10 days, and fledge in about three weeks.
After about 10 days, the parents split up the chicks between themselves.

Conservation Status

The Black-necked grebe is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	Podicipediformes
Family	Podicipedidae
Genus	Podiceps
Species	Podiceps nigricollis

Range & Habitat