General Description: Western Grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) 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 yellow green.

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

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.

Striking black-and-white pattern on long, swan-like neck.