Grebes

Most species of Grebes are smaller than loons, and their pointed bills help to distinguish them from ducks. Black, white, gray, and brown are the predominant plumage colors, but Eared and Horned Grebes sport tufts of golden plumes on their heads during the bredding season. Like loons and diving ducks, grebes are skillful swimmers and spend much of their time underwater.

Size:
10 to 25 inches (0.254 to 0.635 meters)

Where they live:
Lakes, ponds, and marshes year round; also coastal waters in winter. Eared Grebes are found mainly on salt lakes from fall through spring. Nests are floating platforms of plant material usually anchored to aquatic vegetation, where they are vulnerable to boat traffic.

What they eat:
Fish, amphibians, and a wider variety of invertebrates, mostly captured underwater or at the surface. Grebes also eat their own feathers, which are later regurgitated to clear the stomach of indigestible parts of their prey.

Sounds:
A variety of cackles, hoots, and trills, mainly during the nesting season.

Etc.:
The larger grebes, such as Western Grebe and Clark's Grebe, are famous for their elaborate and dramatic courtship rituals. Smaller grebes often sunbathe by turning away from the sun and lifting their wings to expose a patch of black skin.