Clark’s Grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii

Status

Red list

Description

Clark's Grebes are highly specialized for swimming and diving. They have lobed feet and contrasting black and white plumage year round. During the breeding season the feathers on the top of the head form a crest. The dark feathers on the head to do not extend below the eye like the western grebe and they have a yellow-orange bill unlike the western grebe.

Habitat

They spend most of their time foraging in lakes and marshes and only go on land to nest along shorelines. They are similar to the Western Grebe as they need an open body of water that has plenty of prey fish and emergent vegetation. They also do not prefer fluctuating water levels especially during nesting.

Threats

Recreational powerboats or personal water crafts disturbing nest sites
Invasive fish species
Invasive plant species
Fluctuating water levels during nesting

You Can Help!

limit use of power boats and watercraft's near known nesting sites.
clean boats well after use to limit the spread of invasive species