Red-necked Grebe Identification

Breeding adult

Large grebe with long neck and fairly stout, straight bill. Breeding adults have a black cap ending sharply at gray-white cheeks and a chestnut-red neck. Note eye is not red.

Nonbreeding adult/immature

Large grebe with long neck and fairly large bill. Solid black cap with clean gray-white cheeks contrasting with darker gray "ear" patch. Often holds bill pointing downward. Eye is not red.

Adult

Breeds in shallow freshwater lakes and marshes. Like other grebes, places nest on floating mass of vegetation.

Immature

Large grebe with fairly stout, straight, yellowish bill. In flight, neck is long; white patch on leading edge of wings near shoulder. Immatures are washed grayish with darker crown.

Juvenile

Fairly large grebe with yellowish bill. Juveniles have striped faces and reddish chestnut necks.

Breeding adult

Breeds on shallow freshwater lakes and marshes. Like other grebes, pairs perform several types of displays, beginning on the wintering grounds and continuing through migration.

Immature

Molting adult

Adult and chick

Nonbreeding adult/immature

At distance, partially submerged body can appear small. Bill is yellowish with black cap and white cheeks. Winters along seacoasts.