The RSPB: Black-necked grebe

Black-necked grebe

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Latin name

Podiceps nigricollis

Family

Grebes (Podicipedidae)

Overview

This small grebe has beautiful golden tufts of feathers on its face, contrasting with its black head and neck. Its steep forehead makes its head look 'peaked'. A rare breeding bird, it is also uncommon in winter.

Where to see them

Some small Scottish lochs, including RSPB Loch of Kinnordy, in summer; likes reservoirs, gravel pits and estuaries in winter - the Fal Estuary, Cornwall and Poole Harbour, Dorset are good places to look.

When to see them

All year round, but best looked for in winter.

What they eat

Insects, crustaceans and small fish.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	42-60 pairs	120 birds	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK: ngland and Scotland (breeding); E, S and W coasts in winter
In Europe: Most of Europe except N Scandinavia.
Worldwide: Europe, Asia, Africa and N America

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)