Red-Necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena (Boddaert, 1783)

2017-08-24 Tyumen region, Belozersky reserve, lake Bolshoe Beloe	© Mariya Lupinos

Description

Smaller than Mallard. In spring and early summer, differs from other grebes with light grey cheeks; two small feather tufts are situated behind the cap, visible well during demonstravive behavior. In autumn, differs from Black-necked and Slavionan grebes with larger size, and from Grat Crested Grebe with complete dark cap going down to eyes, without white supercilium; foreneck with rufous and brown feathers. Bill grey with yellow base. Autumn young birds with bands on head, which don't go to neck; no supercilium. Iris brown in all ages. White wing speculum and white spot on forewing, but they are split (not as in Great Crested Grebe). Weight 400-950 gr, length 40-50 cm, wing 15.3-19.3, wingspan 77-85.

References