Why is it called a Pied-billed Grebe?

What kind of bird is a pied-billed grebe?

The pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) is a species of the grebe family of water birds. Since the Atitlán grebe (Podilymbus gigas) has become extinct, it is the sole extant member of the genus Podilymbus. The pied-billed grebe is primarily found in ponds throughout the Americas.

What do pied-billed grebes eat?

Pied-billed grebes feed mainly on aquatic invertebrates, and also on small fish and amphibians ( frogs, tadpoles ). They dive to obtain food.

When do pied-billed grebes migrate?

Most migratory birds leave in March or April. They make occasional appearances in Europe and Hawaii. In the United Kingdom, pied-billed grebe visits have numbered 37 sightings as of 2007, appearing generally in October to January. One bird in England bred with a little grebe, producing hybrid young.

How do pied-billed grebes dive?

When in danger, Pied-billed Grebes sometimes make a dramatic “crash-dive” to get away. A crash-diving grebe pushes its body down with its wings thrust outward. Its tail and head disappears last, while the bird kicks water several feet into the air.

How do pied-billed grebes eat?

They catch small fish and invertebrates by diving or simply slowly submerging. They build floating nests of cattails, grasses, and other vegetation. Look for Pied-billed Grebes on small, quiet ponds and marshes where thick vegetation grows out of the water.

What is another name for a Carolina grebe?

Different names of this grebe embody American dabchick, rail, dabchick, Carolina grebe, devil-diver, dive-dapper, dipper, hell-diver, pied-billed dabchick, pied-bill, thick-billed grebe, and water witch. Pied-billed grebes are small, stocky, and short-necked.

Do pied-billed grebes fly at night?

Migratory Pied-billed Grebes fly at night. They are strong fliers, but are thought to only take off from water, and they need a long “runway” prior to “take-off.” 3. Male and female Pied-billed Grebes have similar plumage, but males are usually bigger and may have bigger, heavier bills than females. 4.

What is the size of a pied billed grebe?

Pied-billed grebes are small, stocky, and short-necked. They’re 31–38 cm (12–15 in) in size, with a wingspan of 45–62 cm (18–24 in) and weigh 253–568 g (8.9–20.zero oz).

Where do pied-billed grebes nest?

During the breeding season, Pied-billed Grebes are found at low elevations in ponds, lakes, and marshes. Nesting areas typically have emergent vegetation to which these birds anchor their nests and open water in which they can forage.

Can grebes trap water in their feathers?

Pied-billed Grebes can trap water in their feathers, giving them great control over their buoyancy. They can sink deeply or stay just at or below the surface, exposing as much or as little of the body as they wish. The water-trapping ability may also aid in the pursuit of prey by reducing drag in turbulent water.

How do grebes survive in the ocean?

Pied-billed Grebes can adjust their buoyancy and often use this ability to float with just the upper half of the head above the water. They catch small fish and invertebrates by diving or simply slowly submerging. They build floating nests of cattails, grasses, and other vegetation.

How do I find a pied-billed grebe?

Particularly watch the edges of emergent vegetation and look for roughly circular masses of floating, dead vegetation that might be Pied-billed Grebe nests. In winter, look for the species on larger water bodies where it often aggregates into small flocks.

Are there grebes in North Carolina?

Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. Six species have been recorded in North Carolina.

Are there pied billed grebes in Tennessee?

Status in Tennessee: The Pied-billed Grebe is a fairly common migrant and winter resident in large bodies of water throughout the state. During the summer they are rare, breeding in scattered locations across Tennessee. Most breeding records are from shallow ponds and lakes with open water and standing rushes, cattails, and grasses.

Do pied-billed grebes eat feathers?

Pied-billed Grebes are known to eat their own feathers as a digestive aid. 9. Pied-billed Grebes have several folk names, including “water witch” and “hell-diver.”

Where are the feet on a grebe?

The Latin genus name for “grebe” means “feet at the buttocks”—an apt descriptor for these birds, whose feet are indeed located near their rear ends. This body plan, a common feature of many diving birds, helps grebes propel themselves through water.

How does the pied-billed grebe find its nest?

Both male and female may take part in selecting the site, favoring locations with water deeper than about 9 inches, which allows for escape, feeding, and nest platform construction. Like other grebes, the Pied-billed Grebe creates an open bowl nest on a platform of floating vegetation.

How do grebes adjust to their plumage?

Grebes have unusual plumage. It is dense and waterproof, and on the underside the feathers are at right-angles to the skin, sticking straight out to begin with and curling at the tip. By pressing their feathers against the body, grebes can adjust their buoyancy.

Where do you find grebes in a pond?

Pied-billed Grebes are widespread and fairly common in most of the U.S. and southern Canada, and you should not have too much trouble finding them, particularly in summer on larger ponds and smaller lakes with ample emergent vegetation, such as cattails and bulrushes.

Are there wild birds in North Carolina?

North Carolina is home to many different species of wild birds, in this article we’ll take a look at some of the more recognizable and well-known birds found in the state. Some of these species live in North Carolina all year long, others are migratory and only part-time residents to the state.

Where can I see grebes?

Grebes are widespread throughout North America and can be seen in many locations. In winter, grebes can be seen along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. There are seven species of grebe in North America. These are the least grebe, pied-billed grebe, horned grebe, red-necked grebe, eared grebe, Western grebe, and Clark’s grebe.

How many types of grebes are there?

There are seven types of grebes found in North America. The Horned Grebe and Pied-billed Grebe have the widest ranges. These birds are more likely to be seen from the central parts of the continent into the more western regions.

Where do pied billed grebes live?

The pied-billed grebe lives in ponds, slow-moving streams, swamps, shallow bays of lakes with emergent and aquatic vegetation during the hotter months. Still, in winter, they prefer larger freshwater areas, along with saltwater estuaries, bays, and tidal creeks.

What does a grebe bird look like in Tennessee?

The Pied-billed Grebe nests in a few scattered locations across Tennessee, but is most common during the non-breeding season from August through April. Description: This small brown waterbird has a short neck, large head, and a tufted, whitish rump. The bill is short and thick, and the eye dark.

How many eggs do pied-billed grebes lay?

Nesting and reproduction: Pied-billed Grebes are known to nest in ponds as small as a half acre. Pairs begin nesting in late March and are strongly territorial. Clutch Size: 4 to 8 eggs, with an average of 7 eggs. Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs for 23 days.

What does a pied-billed grebe look like?

Pied-billed Grebe: This medium-sized, stocky grebe has brown upperparts, paler brown underparts with barred sides and flanks and distinct white under tail coverts. It has a black chin, a white bill with a central black ring and dark eyes. Feeds on aquatic insects, vegetation, small fish and crustaceans.