Black-Necked Grebe

Look for this compact, dark waterbird on open freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and saline lagoons, where it dives repeatedly in shallow water to snatch invertebrates, often in loose flocks during migration and winter. In breeding plumage, the rich chestnut flanks and golden-yellow ear tufts fanning behind the eye are unmistakable at close range, while the thin, slightly upturned bill distinguishes it from similar grebes; listen for a soft, fluted *pu-eet* call during courtship gatherings. Peak viewing comes in spring at colonial breeding sites when display behavior is most active, and again in autumn when large post-breeding congregations assemble on sheltered lakes before departure — scan the water's surface at dawn and dusk, as activity intensifies during these crepuscular windows.