Red-necked Grebe -- South Dakota Birds

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

A large Grebe found nesting in the northeastern part of the state.  Strongly prefers salt water in winter, fresh water in summer.  A relatively tame bird, often allowing close approach by humans.  The photo on the right shows a bird in winter plumage.

Habitat: Larger lakes, ponds, reservoirs.   Prefers areas having both open water and wetland vegetation.

Diet: Small fish, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, tadpoles, leeches, and occasionally plant material.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding map: Breeding Bird Survey Map

Song: Loon-like calls during courtship.

Migrations: Summers in selected locations in the northern U.S., and through much of Canada and Alaska.  Generally winters along U.S. and Canadian coastlines, with some occasionally wintering inland (especially around the Great Lakes). 

Status: Probably in decline in recent decades, due to pesticide ingestion and habitat loss.

Further Information: USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Red-necked Grebe

Photo Information: June 24th, 2006 -- Near Anchorage, Alaska -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click here for additional higher-resolution photos of this species.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08