GREBES

Pied-billed Grebe, Podilymbus podiceps

Family Podicipedidae (Grebes)

Size: 13"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Freshwater ponds and lakes

The Pied-billed Grebe is a secretive small grebe that lurks in sheltered waters, diving for small fish, leeches, snails, and crawfish. When alarmed, or to avoid predatory snakes and hawks, it has the habit of sinking until only its head is above water, remaining that way until danger has passed. It is brownish overall and slightly darker above, with a tiny tail and short wings. The breeding adult has a conspicuous dark ring around the middle of the bill, which is missing in winter plumage. Pied-billed Grebes nest on a floating mat of vegetation. The breeding adult is illustrated.