The black-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), called the eared grebe in North America, is a small diving waterbird in the grebe family. It has a broad Old World and New World distribution and is recorded on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The species is familiar to birdwatchers for its dramatic breeding colours and its habit of gathering in large flocks at migration staging areas.

Identification and characteristics

In breeding plumage adults show a glossy black head and neck, striking golden ear tufts and warm chestnut flanks; in winter they appear plainer with greyish tones. As a grebe it has a streamlined body, pointed bill and lobed toes rather than fully webbed feet, adaptations for efficient diving and swimming. Juveniles are striped and downy and are often carried on a parent’s back.

Behaviour and diet

Black-necked grebes are expert divers that pursue aquatic invertebrates, small fish and crustaceans underwater. In some regions flocks feed heavily on brine shrimp and other saline-lake prey. They are migratory in many parts of their range and can form vast congregations at favourable staging sites before and after migration.

Breeding and life cycle

Breeding pairs build floating nests anchored to vegetation in shallow freshwater bodies. Courtship includes synchronized displays and head-shaking. Typically a small clutch of well-camouflaged eggs is laid; chicks are mobile soon after hatching and commonly ride on parents’ backs while still very small.

Conservation and notable facts

Globally the species is not currently considered at high risk, but local populations can be impacted by habitat loss, pollution and disturbance at key breeding or staging sites. The common North American name "eared grebe" refers to the filamentous golden plumes behind the eye during the breeding season. The black-necked grebe also illustrates how migratory waterbirds depend on a network of wetlands and saline lakes for feeding and rest.

  • Taxonomy: Podiceps nigricollis; the scientific name reflects its dark neck.
  • Key behaviours: diving for prey, floating nests, parental care of chicks.
  • Field tip: look for the golden ear tufts and chestnut flanks in breeding adults.