Slavonian Grebe

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iSlavonian Grebe

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Podicipediformes
Family: Podicipedidae
Genus: Podiceps
Species: P. auritus
Binomial name
Podiceps auritus
(Linnaeus, 1758)

The Slavonian Grebe, Podiceps auritus †, is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is known in North America as the Horned Grebe.

It is a small grebe at 31-38 cm (12"-15") long with a 46-55 cm wingspan. Unmistakable in summer, the male's plumage includes a black head with brown puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face. It shows a deep red neck, scarlet eyes, and a small, straight black bill tipped with white. It rides high in the water.

Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. During this time, this small grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap.

Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it cannot walk well. Usually two eggs are laid, and the striped young are sometimes carried on the adult's back.

Slavonian Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish prey underwater.

During breeding, the male's call is heard as an odd, striking series of loud croaks and chattering notes followed by prolonged shrieks.

Folk names of this bird include Devil-diver, hell-diver, pink-eyed diver, and water witch.

The Slavonian Grebe is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

† Podiceps: Latin for podicis (rump) and pedis (foot), referring to the placement of the legs on its body; auritus: Latin for eared.

[edit] References

  • BirdLife International (2004). Podiceps auritus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
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