General Description: Clark's Grebes (Aechmophorus clarkii) are sexually monomorphic diving birds with long, swan-like necks and a striking black-and-white neck pattern. In breeding plumage, the top of the head and back of the neck are black, while the throat and front of the neck are white. In winter plumage, the pattern is the same, but the colors are duller. The long bill is bright yellow-orange.

An important characteristic to note is that the red eye is surrounded by white feathers. In a similar species, Western Grebe, the eye is surrounded by black feathers. Look carefully, however, as young Western Grebes might have dull gray feathers below the eye, leading one to suspect that it might be a Clark's Grebe. Also, the bill in Western Grebe is more yellow-green.

Taxonomy: Podicipediformes, Podicipedidae

Favored Habitat: Large bodies of water.

Where to Find: Look for this species in neighborhood ponds, parks (e.g., Lorenzi Park and Sunset Park), the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, Boulder Beach Marina at Lake Mead NRA, and in the Pahranagat Valley. Western Grebes prefer large bodies of water.

Comments: Grebes eat fish, crustaceans, and other tasty water bugs.