The dainty Eared Grebe is the most abundant and widespread grebe species in the world. Although officially classified as the Black-necked Grebe by the International Ornithological Committee, it’s still known as the Eared Grebe in North America. Both names refer to telltale ID features of this small waterbird, which is an eye-catching sight in its breeding plumage of black and rufous, set off by a wispy fan of golden plumes behind each vivid red eye. Its plainer winter plumage is a mixture of gray, black, and white. The small head, rounded back, and thin, slightly upturned bill are good identification marks in all seasons.
Like other birds that undertake long migrations, from the tiny Blackpoll Warbler to the imposing Tundra Swan, the Eared Grebe undergoes a series of “preflight” physiological changes. How are the Eared Grebe’s pre-migratory changes particularly extreme?
abcbirds.org/bird/eared-grebe