Podicipedidae bird family

Order Podicipediformes · 5 selected species

Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.

Clark's GrebeAechmophorus clarkiiLarge, long-necked grebe with very long, thin, yellow-orange bill. Black cap ends just above red eye, so the eye looks isolated in the white face. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Breeds on marshy lakes, where it builds a floating nest of vegetation. Mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter, but also lakes. Very similar to Western Grebe, with extensive range overlap and often in mixed flocks. Typically outnumbered by Western where they occur together. Clark’s looks paler overall, especially on the sides and face. Also look at the bill: brighter orange-yellow on Clark’s, lacking a dark lower edge. Some birds appear intermediate and should be left unidentified.

Clark's GrebeAechmophorus clarkiiLarge, long-necked grebe with very long, thin, yellow-orange bill. Black cap ends just above red eye, so the eye looks isolated in the white face. Long, gray body rides low in the water. Breeds on marshy lakes, where it builds a floating nest of vegetation. Mostly found on saltwater bays and open ocean in winter, but also lakes. Very similar to Western Grebe, with extensive range overlap and often in mixed flocks. Typically outnumbered by Western where they occur together. Clark’s looks paler overall, especially on the sides and face. Also look at the bill: brighter orange-yellow on Clark’s, lacking a dark lower edge. Some birds appear intermediate and should be left unidentified.

Eared GrebePodiceps nigricollisSmall, compact grebe with thin pointed bill. Breeding adults mostly black with chestnut flanks; look for wispy golden plumes on cheek and peaked head shape. In winter, grayish overall with a dark cap blending into the dark cheek, and a smudgy dark neck. Red eye visible at close range. Breeds on marshy ponds and lakes; during migration and winter, often seen on large lakes, bays, and open ocean. Compare with Horned Grebe, especially in winter. Eared is thinner-necked and smaller-headed, with more peaked crown, darker cheek, and no pale tip on bill.

Horned GrebePodiceps auritusSmall, compact grebe with thin pointed bill. Breeding adults have long golden tuft behind red eye. Also look for rich chestnut neck and body contrasting with darker back. In winter, grayish overall with a black cap and contrasting white cheek. Red eye visible at close range. Breeds on marshy ponds; during migration and winter, often seen on large lakes, bays, and open ocean. Compare with Eared Grebe, especially in winter. Horned is thicker-necked and larger-headed. Also note Horned's flatter crown, white cheek contrasting with dark cap, and pale tip on bill.

Red-necked GrebePodiceps grisegenaLarge grebe; much larger than Eared or Horned Grebe with a longer neck and bill. Reddish neck, silver cheek, and black cap distinctive in breeding plumage. In winter, look for smudgy brown neck, whitish throat, and long, mostly yellow bill. Juveniles have stripes on face. Breeds on lakes and marshes in northern North America, Europe, and Asia. Builds a floating nest of plant matter. Winters mainly on the ocean, sometimes gathering in large flocks. Dives to feed on fish.