A heavyset, long-billed grebe, with a large anvil-shaped head. Alternate Adult has all-dark body, reddish-brown neck, black cap, and white face, with long straw-yellow bill that is dark along the culmen. Basic Adult has dusky neck, usually with a hint of red, and smudgy face. Juvenile has red neck and dark stripes on face. Typically tilts head slightly downward.

Length: 46 (cm) Wingspan: 61 (cm)

Voice:

Usually silent in winter. In breeding season, wails and trills.

Habitat:

Breeds inland on lakes and marshes; winters along coast on open ocean, bays, and estuaries.

Behavior:

Nest is a floating platform of vegetation anchored to reeds. Very young birds ride on parent's back. Adults eat their own feathers. In winter, often seen alongside loons, cormorants, scoters, Horned Grebes, and other nearshore birds.

Feeding:

Dives and swims to catch fish and other aquatic organisms, and may pick morsels from water's surface and vegetation.