Western grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis


Identification Tips:

Similar species:

Loons are larger with longer bodies and larger, darker bills. Horned and Eared Grebes are smaller with much shorter bills that are never greenish-yellow. Red-necked Grebe is smaller without the bold black and white neck pattern. The formerly conspecific Clark's Grebe is very similar but has a bright yellow bill. The dark crown of the Western Grebe extends below the eye, in the Clark's it is above the eye. The two species have distinctive calls: Clark's gives a simple "kreeet" while the Western gives a doubled note. Hybridization is known so atypical birds should be studied well for exact bill color and face pattern.