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 |