A small, compact grebe; widespread. Overall shape and profile noticeably different than most other North American grebes; characterized by short thick neck, proportionally large rounded head, and somewhat short, thick bill. Alternate Adult is golden brown overall, with darker back, dark eye, black throat, and thick, pale, blunt bill with a black band near the tip. In basic plumage, throat is paler, and the bill lacks black band. Sexes are similar. Juveniles have several dark stripes on head. Only Least Grebe is similar in shape, but it is charcoal gray overall, much smaller, and has a thin bill.

Length: 33 (cm) Wingspan: 41 (cm)

Voice:

Loud, weird series of barks; also grunts and chatters.

Habitat:

Ponds, lakes, slow rivers, bays; stagnant water with vegetation.

Behavior:

Nest is a platform of vegetation at water's edge. Pied-billed Grebes can "sink" until only their head is exposed above water level. Typically seen singly or in pairs, spaced over water's surface, hugging the edges of larger bodies of water, often swimming among vegetation.

Feeding:

Dives and swims to catch fish and other aquatic organisms.