Horned Grebe

Identification

The horned grebe is a relatively small waterbird, measuring 31–38 cm long with a wingspan of 55–74 cm and weighing 300–570 g. Its most distinctive feature is the bright orange-yellow crest feathers, or "horns," positioned above and behind the eyes during breeding season. The bird undergoes a dramatic seasonal transformation: in breeding plumage, it displays striking chestnut-brown neck and flanks contrasted with a black crown and back, along with black fan-shaped cheek feathers. In non-breeding plumage, it becomes predominantly black and white, with a white neck and chest, dull black-grey back and crown, and notably, the horns disappear. The bird has a straight, pointed bill with a white tip, a moderately long neck, and a flat forehead. Males are slightly larger and brighter than females but are generally indistinguishable in the field.

Winter plumage can cause confusion with the black-necked grebe, which is only slightly smaller and similarly coloured. However, the black-necked grebe can be distinguished by its steeper forehead, more slender slightly uptilted bill, duskier cheeks, and fluffier rump. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but appear duller and their back is tinged with brown, with a less distinct line between cheeks and crown.

Range & Habitat

Two subspecies are recognized: the Eurasian P. a. auritus breeds across northern Europe and Asia from Iceland east to the Russian Far East, while the North American P. a. cornutus spans most of Canada and some of the United States. The species breeds primarily in boreal and subarctic regions, though also in temperate zones including prairies and parklands. They favour small to moderately sized shallow freshwater ponds, marshes, and shallow bays on lake edges with emergent vegetation beds. Ideal breeding habitat consists of lakes less than 2.5 m deep with submerged vegetation and marginal sedges, rushes, and bulrushes, providing nest material, anchorage, concealment, and protection for young. Horned grebes readily use lakes surrounded by forest.

During migration, they stop along lakes, rivers, and marshes. For winter, they migrate to marine environments including estuaries, bays, and sandy beaches, though in some regions like Norway, large numbers congregate on inland lakes.

Behaviour & Diet

Horned grebes are highly vocal during breeding, territory establishment, and defence. Young birds produce a slightly trilled peeping noise similar to a domestic chick, while adults produce a loud, nasally "aaarrh" call that descends in pitch and ends in a trill. They are extremely agile divers, using their large feet to manoeuvre underwater while hunting. They feed primarily on aquatic arthropods, fish, and crustaceans, also catching airborne insects on the water's surface. When capturing large prey underwater, they manipulate it at the surface to swallow it headfirst. These birds usually feed solitarily or in small groups of up to five individuals. Diet varies seasonally: during summer, aquatic and airborne arthropods are preferred, whereas winter diet favours fish and crustaceans.

Best Time & Places to See It

Horned grebes are best observed during the breeding season in boreal and subarctic regions where they establish territories on shallow freshwater lakes and ponds. Their extreme vocality during breeding makes them easier to locate during this period. Migration periods offer opportunities to spot them along lakes, rivers, and marshes as they move between breeding and wintering grounds. In winter, coastal marine environments including estuaries and bays provide reliable viewing locations, though some inland lake populations—particularly in Norway—can be observed congregating in large numbers.

Photography Tips

Spring and early summer offer the best photographic opportunities, when breeding plumage displays the striking orange-yellow horns and rich chestnut and black coloration. Photograph from a distance to avoid disturbing nesting birds, and use a telephoto lens to capture the characteristic "horns" and facial markings in detail. Early morning light can enhance the iridescent qualities of the breeding plumage. When photographing winter birds, pay careful attention to the subtle features that distinguish them from black-necked grebes. Capture birds in diving poses to showcase their characteristic underwater hunting behaviour and the powerful feet that propel them. During migration and winter, shooting from elevated vantage points overlooking lakes and coastal areas increases your chances of productive encounters.