Aechmophorus clarkii
The Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii) is a strikingly elegant waterbird, often admired for its graceful movements and elaborate courtship rituals. Reaching lengths of 56-74 cm (22-29 inches) and weighing 900-1500 g (2-3.3 lbs), it is distinguished by its pristine white underparts, dark black back, and notably golden-orange bill with a prominent black stripe that extends just past the nostrils. Its most definitive field mark, setting it apart from its close relative, the Western Grebe, is t...
Primarily inhabits large freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and extensive marshlands, favoring areas with emergent vegetation for nesting. Generally found at low to moderate elevations.
Mainly small to medium-sized fish, including minnows and carp, supplemented by crustaceans and aquatic insects, all caught by pursuit diving underwater.
Clark's Grebes are diurnal, spending much of their day actively foraging or engaging in social interactions on the water. They are pursuit divers, efficiently catching fish underwater with their long, pointed bills. During the breeding season, they are colonial, forming dense nesting aggregations...
Clark's Grebe breeds across western North America, from southern British Columbia, Canada, south through the western United States, including the Great Basin, Rocky Mountain states, California, and into Mexico, reaching as far south as Jalisco. Breeding populations are typically found on large, s...
Least Concern
- Clark's Grebe and Western Grebe are considered 'sibling species' and are famous for their elaborate, synchronized 'rush' courtship display where two birds run across the water's surface side-by-side. - Unlike most birds, grebe chicks are precocial and often spend their first few weeks riding on...