Pied-billed Grebe -- Podilymbus podiceps -- South Dakota Birds

The smallest of the Grebes found in the state, the Pied-billed Grebe is rarely seen in flight.  When disturbed or threatened, it prefers to slowly sink and swim away underwater, or move away with just it's head above water.  A mature bird is pictured at the right.  Photos of juveniles can be seen by clicking on the photo links at the bottom of the page.

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, marshes.  Usually areas with both heavy marsh vegetation and open water during breeding season, more open water during migration and winter. 

Diet: Nearly any small aquatic creature, including fish, insects, frogs, salamanders, snails.  Also small amounts of aquatic plants. 

Behavior: Foraging is done by diving and swimming underwater in search of prey.  Like many grebes, feathers are sometimes eaten (for reasons that aren't completely understood).

Nesting: Mid-May

Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Pied-billed Grebe Song

Migrations: South Dakota birds migrate in the fall, but birds in the southern U.S. are permanent residents.  

Similar Species: Quite distinctive from other Grebes.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Pied-billed Grebe

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

3) E-nature.com: Pied-billed Grebe

Photo Information: April 19th, 2003 -- Madison Waterfowl Production Area -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos -- Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Pied-billed Grebe photos.

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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