Podiceps gallardoi
The Hooded Grebe (Podiceps gallardoi) is a strikingly elegant and critically endangered waterbird endemic to the remote volcanic plateau lakes of southern Patagonia. Measuring approximately 30-36 cm (12-14 inches) in length and weighing 400-500g (14-18 oz), this medium-sized grebe boasts a distinctive breeding plumage of glossy black upperparts contrasting sharply with pure white underparts and flanks adorned with reddish-brown streaks. Its most iconic feature is a dramatic black and white fa...
High-altitude volcanic plateau lakes (typically 500-1500m elevation) with stable water levels and dense aquatic vegetation, particularly Myriophyllum elatinoides.
Exclusively aquatic invertebrates, predominantly amphipods (Crustacea) and insect larvae, caught by diving.
Hooded Grebes are primarily diurnal, spending their days foraging and engaging in complex social interactions. Their foraging strategy involves frequent, short dives (typically 10-20 seconds) to catch aquatic invertebrates, particularly amphipods. During the breeding season, they are highly terri...
The Hooded Grebe is an endemic resident of the Patagonian steppe, primarily restricted to a handful of high-altitude volcanic plateau lakes (lagunas) in Santa Cruz province, Argentina, during the breeding season. A very small breeding population has also been recently confirmed in Chile, specific...
Critically Endangered
- The Hooded Grebe was only formally discovered by science in 1974, making it one of the last large bird species to be identified. - Its spectacular courtship display is often called the 'Tango,' due to the synchronized, mirrored movements of the pair. - These grebes build unique floating nest pl...