Eared Grebe, Podiceps nigricollis

The Eared Grebe is the most social, abundant member of the grebe family in North America, often gathering in large flocks.  A small, slender, thin-necked grebe with a pointed, thin, upturned, dark bill and bright red eye, along with a triangular head peaking over the eye and a dusky black neck and ear patch, identifies this grebe in Tennessee during winter. In flight, a white patch can be seen on the trailing edge of the wing. They tend to ride high on the water and often fluff their rear feathers, giving them the appearance of a “high stern” shape.

The Eared Grebe is a rare winter visitor to Tennessee lakes, stopping briefly to rest and feed along its migratory route to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Some birds will winter in the state.

Length: 13 inches
Wingspan: 16 inches
Weight: 11 oz.

Voice: Quiet and less harsh than a Horned Grebe. The song is a rising, high, squeaky whistle.

Similar Species: Horned Grebe – In summer, a solid yellow patch on the head, reddish neck, and gray back. In winter, white cheek and neck, white tip on the end of the bill. Pied-billed Grebe – Fairly common during migration and in winter, this grebe has an overall brown appearance, a thicker bill, and lacks the white wing patch.

Habitat: In Tennessee, Eared Grebes can occasionally be found on shallow lakes and ponds.

Diet: Small aquatic invertebrates, especially brine shrimp, small fish, mollusks, and amphibians.

Nesting and reproduction: There are no known records of this species nesting in Tennessee.

Status in Tennessee: The Eared Grebe is a rare visitor found in winter in Tennessee.

Best places to see in Tennessee: Nickajack Dam, Paris Landing State Park, Big Sandy Unit of Tennessee NWR, Percy Priest Lake,