Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps

All The Birds Of North America: Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps

This cousin of the Western Grebe is only about half the size of that species. The most widely distributed grebe in North America, the Pied-billed is shyer than many of its relatives. When frightened, it submerges slowly beneath the water's surface, expelling air from both its feathers and lungs to help it to sink. It is the only grebe that does not show a white wing patch in flight.

Identification 12-15". Stocky, compact; brownish, with conspicuously short, chickenlike bill. Breeding bird has black throat and black ring around bill. Juvenile striped, with recognizable grebe bill.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Voice A low, hollow series of COU'-OO, C0W-00 notes.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Habitat Lakes, ponds, and marshes; open water in migration.

Range Breeds throughout most of North America south of central Canada. Winters from British Columbia south to S. California and east to Texas and Florida; also along Atlantic Coast.