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.
Best time to see a Western Grebe
The best time to see a Western Grebe is December–May, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 19,151 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Western Grebe? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Western Grebe sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Western Grebe?
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