It is a rare bird in the British Isles, breeding inland in limited areas of the Midlands and north of England and in southern Scotland. In winter it is more likely to be seen in coastal areas of southern England and Wales. The breeding grounds are shallow lakes surrounded by reeds and similar plants, whereas in winter it frequents estuaries, gravel pits and reservoirs.
The black-necked grebe is more common on the continent of Europe, where it has spread westwards from the south-east to breed in such areas as the Netherlands, eastern France and southern Spain.
Appearance
The black-necked grebe is around 30 centimetres (12 inches) in length. It has a thin, up-tilted bill, a high crown to the head and a neck that is often curved.
The plumage is very different as between summer and winter. In summer, the head, neck and upper breast are black, with chestnut flanks and lighter underparts. However, the most distinctive feature is the prominent tuft of golden feathers fanning out behind each eye, which is red. It is these tufts that give the bird the name “eared grebe”, although they are obviously not ears!
In winter, the tufts disappear and the bird becomes much plainer. The upper part of the head stays black, as does the back, but the neck and the rest of the body become much lighter. The only colour to be seen is the red of the eyes.
There is no obvious difference in appearance between male and female black-necked grebes, at any time of the year.
Behaviour
The black-necked grebe is very much a water bird. Like other grebes, its legs are set well back on the body, which makes it difficult for the bird to walk on land.
It is a reluctant flyer, except when in transit to and from its breeding grounds.
The black-necked grebe is a shy bird, preferring to stay hidden if possible. It is a gregarious bird, both while nesting and in the winter.
It has a whistling “poo-eee” call and a harsh chatter.
Breeding Behaviour
Pairs of black-necked grebes arrive at the nesting grounds in March or April and perform a courtship display in which the birds swim at speed towards each other, shaking their heads.
The nest comprises a mass of rotting vegetation, positioned either in the reeds at the water’s edge or floating within a few feet of the shore. The nest is built by the female black-necked grebe from material brought by the male.
Three to five eggs are laid at any time between April and June, with both partners sharing the incubation for up to 23 days. A second brood is often raised.
The nestlings are carried on their parents’ backs for several weeks before they are ready to swim for themselves.
Feeding
Black-necked grebes often feed on insects that are skimmed from the surface of the water. They will also dive from the surface for food such as tadpoles and small fish, hunting for them at no more than two metres down. Also taken are molluscs and crustaceans.
Conservation Status
The black-necked grebe has amber status in the United Kingdom, due to the small number of breeding pairs and wintering birds. The breeding habitat of reedbeds is one that is always under threat from human activity, and so all bird species that make use of them are similarly threatened.
© John Welford
No comments:
Post a Comment