Black-necked Grebe

Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

The black-necked grebe was originally a native of southeastern Europe, but during the past 80 years has become widespread throughout western and central Europe, in Italy, England, Holland, eastern France and southern Spain. Eastern European populations are migratory. This species is partial to shallow but large ponds and lakes with extensive vegetation for cover. Pairs of birds return to the nesting grounds in March and April and begin their courtship display shortly after their arrival: partners swim rapidly towards each other; raise heads erect and shake them. This is a gregarious bird which stays in groups even when nesting, forming colonies with a great number of nests spaced several yards apart, though they may be more densely clustered. The nest, of rotting vegetation, is located on water among reeds, though it may float freely at the edge of a reed bed. It is the female who builds while the male brings material. The clutch, consisting of three, four or sometimes as many as six eggs, is laid from April to June and both partners share the duties of incubation for 19 to 23 days. The nestlings are carried about on their parent’s backs, being cared for by them for a number of weeks. Diet consists of insects and their larvae, Small mollusks and crustaceans as well as tadpoles and small fish. The black-necked grebe hunts under water, usually at depths of no more than two meters.

(Migratory or resident bird)

Size of egg	39.0-48.5X27.1-34.0  mm
Length	30 cm. Male and female have similar plumage.
Voice	Whistling notes that sound like ‘poo-eep’.