Horned grebe

Podiceps auritus

The horned grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is also known as the Slavonian grebe. It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish prey underwater. "P. auritus" is one of the species to which the "Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds" applies.
Waiting For The Next Dive! While fishing in our “front yard” this Horned Grebe was resting on the surface allowing me to get this photo. Interesting to see it’s feet. They are so far back on the body. No wonder they spend most of their lives on the water! I believe that the North American Horned Grebe is Podiceps auritus cornutus. Canada,Geotagged,Horned grebe,Podiceps auritus,Spring

Appearance

The horned grebe is a small grebe at 31–38 cm long with a 46–55 cm wingspan. Unmistakable in summer, the plumage of both male and female includes a black head with brown puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep red neck, scarlet eyes, and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. It rides high in the water.
A Non-breeding Horned Grebe Many non-breeding grebes look similar. One of the distinguishing features is that the Horned Grebe has a white tipped bill. The North American Horned Grebe’s full scientific name is Podiceps auritus ssp. cornutus. Canada,Geotagged,Horned grebe,Podiceps auritus,Winter

Naming

*"P. a. auritas",, Eurasia
⤷ "P. a. cornutus",, Canada, northern US
Horned Grebes - Non-breeding plumage When they don't have their fancy feathers on for breeding season these guys are a bit hard to tell apart from Eared Grebes. Horned Grebes have a less "fluffy" tail and sit lower in the water. Geotagged,Horned grebe,Podiceps auritus,United States

Reproduction

Horned grebes breed in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. During this time, this small grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap. During breeding, the male's call is heard as an odd, striking series of loud croaks and chattering notes followed by prolonged shrieks.

Like all grebes, it builds a nest on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it cannot walk well. Usually two eggs are laid, and the striped young are sometimes carried on the adult's back.
Horned grebe in Estonia Horned grebe,Podiceps auritus

Cultural

Folk names of this bird include devil-diver, hell-diver, pink-eyed diver, and water witch. Its name is often abbreviated by British birders to "Slav grebe" or simply "Slav".

In the lore of the Blackfeet, the trickster Old Man tricked several ducks into closing their eyes and dancing while he killed them one by one. However, the smallest duck looked, saw Old Man, and alerted the other ducks. This "duck" was the horned grebe, who became the first to notice trouble.

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