Clark's Grebe -- South Dakota Birds

Clark's Grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii

Identical in size and shape to the Western Grebe, and was once considered to be a lighter morph of that species.  Bill colors are slightly different, and the Clark's Grebe has white both above and below the eye.  Note that in winter, facial patterns are nearly identical for both species, making identification much more difficult.

Habitat: Sloughs and shallow lakes with emergent vegetation. 

Diet: Mostly fish in all seasons. Occasionally eats insects, crustaceans, and salamanders.  

Nesting: June and July.

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Ascending kreee-EEEEK. 

Migrations: Summers through much of the western U.S.  Winters along West Coast, Mexican coast, and selected locations in the American Southwest.  

Similar Species: Western Grebe.  See ID Key's for Clark's vs. Western Grebe.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Clark's Grebe

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Clark's Grebe"

3) E-nature.com: Clark's Grebe

Photo Information: April 18th, 2004 -- Below Oahe Dam -- Doug Backlund

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This page was last edited on 02/03/08