Species BirdsWestern Grebe

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

CommonBird
Illustration of Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)

The Western Grebe performs one of the most spectacular courtship displays in the bird world — pairs run across the water side by side with necks arched in the 'rushing' ceremony. It is the largest grebe in North America. The black cap extending below the eye and yellow-green bill distinguish it from the very similar Clark's Grebe.

Habitat
Large western lakes and reservoirs when breeding; coastal bays and lakes in winter
Diet
Fish chased underwater
How common
Common

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