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Birds by name

Black-necked grebe

Conservation status: Amber

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.

Overview

Latin name

Podiceps nigricollis

Family

Grebes (Podicipedidae)

Where to see them

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.

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-42-60 pairs130 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
England 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.

Illustrations

Audio

Patrik Aberg, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Black-necked grebe (breeding)

Black-necked grebe - breeding plumage
  • Size: between blackbird-pigeon
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, orange, grey, yellow
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: medium
  • Beak thickness: medium
  • Leg colour: black/grey, brown
  • Behaviour: part of flock, dives underwater

Black-necked grebe (winter)

Black-necked grebe - non-breeding plumage
  • Size: between blackbird-pigeon
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, grey
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: medium
  • Beak thickness: medium
  • Leg colour: black/grey, brown
  • Behaviour: part of flock, dives underwater

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