How to Identify Western Grebes

The Western Grebe is one of several grebes that lives in North America. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the Western Grebe from other grebes. However, if you do know the identifying characteristics of the Western Grebe, you can differentiate it from other grebes. Here's what you need to know how to identify Western Grebes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand the habitat of Western Grebes. These birds live in the western United States, southwestern Canada, into Mexico and on the Pacific coast. Look for them around estuaries, freshwater lakes, ponds, seacoasts, bays and other inland bodies of water.

2. Observe the appearance of the Western Grebes, with a black back and black sides and a white neck and belly. A black cap surrounds its eyes, while the rest of the head is white. They have a long, thin, yellow-green bill, tapered wings and a rounded tail. Their necks are very long. Females look similar to males.

3. Take note of the size of the Western Grebes. These birds are large and range from 55 to 57 cm in size, with a wingspan from 79 to 86 cm. They weigh between 180 and 800 g.

4. Listen for the loud call of the Western Grebe that sounds like a "crick-kreek." It resembles a whistle or a croaking sound.

5. Watch the unusual behavior of the Western Grebe. Rarely will you see these birds on land because they are swimmers, as well as strong direct flyers with rapid wing beats.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't confuse Western Grebes with Clark's Grebes. Clark's Grebes have a bright yellow colored bill, a lighter colored body and white around its eyes.
• Clark's Grebes may interbreed with the Western Grebes, as they both live in the same general area.

Resources

• All About Birds From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Information on Identifying Birds