The Horned Grebe in breeding plumage is one of the most striking small waterbirds — the golden 'horns' fanning back from the red eyes are spectacular. It nests on small boreal lakes and winters on coastal bays. Like all grebes, it eats feathers — up to half the stomach contents — which apparently protect the digestive tract from fish bones.
Best time to see a Horned Grebe
The best time to see a Horned Grebe is January–April, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 17,184 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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