My Animal Site

The smallest of the Grebes found in the state, the Pied-billed Grebe is rarely seen in flight. When disturbed or threatened, it prefers to slowly sink and swim away underwater, or move away with just it’s head above water. A mature bird in breeding plumage is pictured at the right. Only mature adults in breeding plumage show the dark ring on their bill. Photos of juveniles and winter-plumaged adults can be seen by clicking on the photo links at the bottom of the page.

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, marshes. Usually areas with both heavy marsh vegetation and open water during breeding season, more open water during migration and winter.

Diet: Nearly any small aquatic creature, including fish, insects, frogs, salamanders, snails. Also small amounts of aquatic plants.

Behavior: Foraging is done by diving and swimming underwater in search of prey. Like many grebes, feathers are sometimes eaten (for reasons that aren’t completely understood).

Nesting: Mid-May

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Pied-billed Grebe Song

Migration: South Dakota birds migrate in the fall, but birds in the southern U.S. are permanent residents.

Similar Species: Quite distinctive from other Grebes.

Status: Widespread and common, but surveys show declines in recent decades.

Popularity: 29% [?]