~One of my favs-The Pied-billed Grebe

~Photo taken January 2, 2024

The Pied-billed Grebe is found on streams, marshy ponds, lakes and freshwater marshes. Winters in estuarine and marine habitats.

I saw my first Pied-billed Grebe in April of 1986 in Colorado. This little guy was swimming with a mate in and out of these reeds. 

Pied-billed Grebe

What is special about a pied-billed grebe?

Pied-billed Grebes can adjust their buoyancy and often use this ability to float with just the upper half of the head above the water. They catch small fish and invertebrates by diving or simply slowly submerging. They build floating nests of cattails, grasses, and other vegetation.

Not a very good photo, but it makes me wonder how big a fish they can swallow. I love to just sit and watch them dive for fish.

While I was creating this post and looking up information on the Pied-billed I came across this web-site. I was truly surprised to read that the status of the Pied-billed Grebe is Endangered Very sad.

This web-site lists information and fun facts about the Pied-billed and the reasons why they are endangered.

2 thoughts on “~One of my favs-The Pied-billed Grebe”

  1. I just love grebes! I live in Washington State and just spent some time with a pied-billed yesterday. I was surprised to read that they are endangered in the Northeast. Around here they are fairly common and while habitats continue to decline, the grebes here are thriving. Thanks for a great post! Pictures of my pied-billed on my blog if you’re interested:
    http://www.insearchofthevery.com

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