How to Spot an Eared Grebe

The Eared Grebe is a distinctive looking bird and the most common Grebe in the world. If you want to know how to identify this type of waterbird, here's how to spot them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand the habitat and range of the Eared Grebe. This water bird is common in western North America. You'll find it from southwestern Canada to south central Canada and also in the Great Basin and Great Plains of the United States. Look for it in shallow ponds, lakes and wetlands. It usually winters in saltwater, such as Mono Lake of California.

2. Observe the Eared Grebe's appearance. They have red eyes and a dark bill, thin and slightly upturned. Eared Grebes also have pointed wings and a square tail. In the summer months, the Eared Grebe has black upperparts, chestnut brown sides, white underparts and golden ear tufts. In the winter, the Eared Grebe is gray, white and black with a patch of white near the ears.

3. Notice the size of the Eared Grebe. They are small waterbirds with a length ranging from 30 to 35 cm. Eared Grebes weigh between 200 and 735 g and have a wingspan of 52 to 55 cm.

4. Listen to the sounds made by the Eared Grebe. Their call is soft and high pitched, consisting of often repeated whirrs and trills. When alarmed, Eared Grebes let out one sharp chirping sound.

5. Pay attention to the Eared Grebe's flight patterns. During flight, Eared Grebes show rapid wing beats and are direct flyers.

Tips & Warnings

• Male and female Eared Grebes look similar, with juveniles resembling the winter Eared Grebe with a slightly more brownish color.
• Don't confuse an Eared Grebe with a Horned Grebe. The Horned Grebe does not have the upturned bill of the Eared Grebe. It also has a clearer definition between the white lower face and the black crown than the Eared Grebe does.