Red-necked Grebe -- South Dakota Birds

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

A large Grebe found nesting in the northeastern part of the state.  They strongly prefers salt water in winter, fresh water in summer.  Red-necked Grebes are often a relatively tame bird, often allowing close approach by humans, and even regularly breeding in some urban ponds and reservoirs.

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: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Red-necked Grebe

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

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

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

Return to Species Page

Return to Main Page

Proud Member Of:

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

This page was last edited on 02/03/08