- Podiceps grisegena
Identification
L. 40-50cm
- Dark grey-brown above
- Chestnut sides and front of neck
- Breast-sides and flanks chestnut mottled brown
- Black crown and small crest
- Cheeks white to grey, bordered with white
- Hindneck dark brown
- Dark brown iris
- Black bill with bright yellow base
- Blackish to olive legs
Distribution
North America, Denmark, Germany, Finland and south to the Black Sea.
Taxonomy
Nominate race occurs in most of Eurasia, similar but larger holboellii in North America and north-east Asia.
Habitat
Small-medium, well-vegetated freshwaters.
Behaviour
It builds a nest of a heap of rotting vegetation, floating and attached to plants or built on the bottom in shallow water. 4-5 eggs, white initially, soon becoming stained, are laid and incubated by both sexes for 22-25 days. Young tended by both sexes for 56-70 days. Single-brooded.
Its diet includes aquatic invertebrates and small fish taken in 30 second dives.
Bird Song: Vocal during breeding season uttering a variety of wailing, howling and roaring sounds. Silent in winter.
<flashmp3>Podiceps grisegena (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
