Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

In breeding plumage its bright red eyes and the fan of golden feathers behind the eye are striking. The black-necked grebe likes to nest in groups and often settles close to gull colonies, apparently benefiting from the gulls’ vigilance.

Group
Waders & Waterbirds
Photos
1
Taken
2020

Profile: Black-necked Grebe

Family
Grebes (Podicipedidae)
Size
approx. 28–34 cm
Wingspan
approx. 56–60 cm
Weight
approx. 215–450 g
Habitat
Shallow, nutrient-rich still waters with dense marginal and floating vegetation, often close to black-headed gull colonies.
Diet
Mainly aquatic insects and their larvae, plus small crustaceans, molluscs and only a little fish.
When to see
Short-distance migrant. Present at Central European breeding sites roughly from March to September; winters mainly on coasts and larger inland waters of western and southern Europe, in mild winters also in Central Europe.

Learn more: Wikipedia · NABU (German)