a.k.a. Slavonian Grebe
- Podiceps auritus
Identification
L. 31-38cm
Ws. 60cm
- Black above
- Chestnut breast and flanks
- White belly
- Black head
- Chestnut lores continuing in a line over the eye
- Golden-yellow tuft towards nape
- Dark brown hindneck
- Sides and front of nest chestnut
- Red iris
- Black bill with pale tip
- Blackish or grey legs
Distribution
North America and Canada, Iceland, the Faroes, Scotland, Scandinavia, northern China.
Taxonomy
Also known as Slavonian Grebe.
Habitat
Lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers.
Behaviour
Breeding
It builds a nest of vegetation in shallow water. 3-5 eggs are laid incubated mainly by the female for 22-25 days.
Diet
Diet includes aquatic insects and their larvae, small fish and crustaceans taken in 30-35 second dives.
Voice
Variety of calls when breeding including a long trill.
<flashmp3>Podiceps auritus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program