Western Grebe

About the Western Grebe

The western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) is a species in the grebe family of water birds. Folk names include "dabchick", "swan grebe" and "swan-necked grebe". Western grebe fossils from the Late Pleistocene of southwest North America were described as a distinct species, but later ranked as a paleosubspecies Aechmophorus occidentalis lucasi. Later studies found them to fall within the variation now known to exist in today's birds.

The western grebe is the largest North American grebe. It is 55–75 cm (22–30 in) long, weighs 795–2,000 g (1.753–4.409 lb) and measures 79–102 cm (31–40 in) across the wings. It is black-and-white, with a long, slender, swan-like neck and red eyes. It is easily confused with Clark's grebe, which shares similar features, body size, behavior and habitat, and hybrids are known. Clark's grebes generally populate more of the southern part of North America Other differences are whiter flanks and paler gray backs when comparing Clark's grebe to the western grebe.

The western grebe has black around the eyes and a straight greenish-yellow bill whereas Clark's grebe has white around the eyes and an up-turned bright yellow bill. The downy young... Wikipedia →