Grebes

Grebe (Horned)The Horned Grebe can be seen during winter months on both coasts of Vancouver Island. It is a diver and feeds on small fish and crustaceans.  Like other Grebes, the Horned Grebe regularly eats its own feathers which may hold fish bones until digested. It usually feeds alone but can be seen feeding in flocks or other similar birds.

Year round resident on Vancouver Island, the Pied-billed Grebe is usually found either alone or with just a few other birds. If it becomes alarmed it may start sinking so that only its head is above water. Both parents take care of young and you may see the adults taking the young on their backs.

The Pied-billed grebe is rarely seen out of the water, however it does not have webbed feet like a duck but rather toes that have a greater surface area. They feed on insects, vegetation, small fish and crustaceans. Like the other grebes, they feed feathers to their young and swallow feathers regularly.

The Red-necked Grebe is a diver and spends most of its feeding time on the water. It can be seen during winter months and will look much different then summer breeding time. When breeding it is colorful and noisy but winter months seem to bring out is calm silent side. .  Like other Grebes, the Red-necked Grebe regularly eats its own feathers which may hold fish bones until digested.

Nick named the Swan-Grebe or Swan-necked Grebe, the Western Grebe is the largest Grebe in North America. Its white sided neck, yellow bill and red eyes stand out when you are up close to them. Like other grebes, the young can be seen riding on the parents back and the young also get a dose of feathers thought to aid digestion of bones.