General Description: Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) are sexually monomorphic water birds with differing winter and summer plumage. Grebes are similar to ducks and often are found on ponds and marshes with ducks.

In breeding plumage, the head, neck, and back are black, the sides are rusty red, and there is a golden tuft of feathers behind the red eye.

In winter plumage, the throat and neck are dirty white, and the ear tuft is absent. Contrast these winter plumage characteristics with those of the uncommon Horned Grebe.

The bottom of the bill angles up, giving the bill an upturned appearance, and the white rump appears held out of the water.

Taxonomy: Podicipediformes, Podicipedidae

Where to Find: Neighborhood ponds, parks (e.g., Lorenzi Park and Sunset Park), the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, and Boulder Beach Marina at Lake Mead NRA. To find them in more natural habitat, visit the Pahranagat Valley.

Comments: Grebes eat fish, crustaceans, and other tasty water bugs.