Slavonian Grebe

Podiceps auritus

Genus · Typical Grebes Family · Grebes
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Coastal shallowsOpen waterReed beds

In winter, look for the very straight bill and a flat-topped head. In summer, the golden 'horns' and red neck are unmistakable.

Slavonian Grebe
Stats
Wingspan55–64 cm
Weight300–570 g
Length31–38 cm
Lifespan wild5–12 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeFloating platform
Clutch size3–5 eggs
Incubation22–25 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
VU
Vulnerable (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationMigratory
Social BehaviourSolitary

Diet: Piscivore

🐸Amphibians
🦀Crustaceans
🐟Fish
🦗Insects
🪶Own feathers

Habitat

🛶 Lake wetlands🌊 Marine🌾 Marsh
✦ Fun Fact

The 'horns' are actually feathers. The bird can flatten them against its head when diving to stay streamlined.

About

A small, dapper diving bird of lakes and coastal waters. In summer, it has a black head with spectacular golden-yellow 'horns'. It has a rich red neck and flanks. In winter, it changes into crisp black-and-white plumage. It rarely breeds in Northern Europe but is more common as a winter visitor.

Behaviour

It is a master diver that hunts for fish and aquatic insects. During the breeding season, pairs perform 'weed-dance' displays chest-to-chest. They build floating nests anchored to reeds. In winter, they are often found on the sea in sheltered bays.

Similar species

Black-necked Grebe
🐦
Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis
Red-necked Grebe
🐦
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegena
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