Black-necked Grebe

Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) bird information

Black-necked Grebe is a small grebe, similar in size to Slavonian Grebe but head rounder and bill thinner and uptilted. Decidedly less maritime than Slavonian in winter, frequenting large reservoirs and gravel pits, usually within easy reach of the coast.

Winter plumage is dark cap with pale area extending to hind crown; neck smudgy grey. Black-necked Grebe has, in summer, head, neck and breast black broken only by a golden fan of plumes extending from eye. Back black; flanks rust-red.

Status: Black-necked Grebe breeds central Scotland, western Ireland and occasionally elsewhere. Winter visitor to southern Scottish and English waters.

Similar Species: Slavonian Grebe, especially in winter when Slavonian has more clear-cup cap, white (not grey) neck, and appears more black and white.

Black-Necked Grebe Facts

Type	duck-like
Size	28-33 cm (12 in)
Habitat	freshwater
Behaviour	swims, dives from surface, take off and lands on water
Flocking	colonial; small flocks winter
Flight	laboured, direct
Voice	quiet poo-eep; variety harsh notes

Bird Identification

Ad.summer
Crown	black, golden ‘fan’
Upperparts	black
Rump	black
Tail	black; short and rounded
Throat	black
Breast	black
Belly	rust-red
Bill	black; short and uplifted
Legs	black; short
Ad.winter	black above, greyish white below, smudgy cap, a smudgy grey throat
Juvenile	as Ad.winter but browner

Black-necked Grebe Breeding

Nest	floating mound in water
Eggs	3-4, white
Incubation	20-21 days
Young	active, downy
Fledging	?
Broods	2; April – June
Food	insects, crustaceans, molluscs
Population	20+ pairs, 120 winter