Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
The Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) moves in large flocks and is found across the American west and Mexico in the summer, and migrates towards the Pacific Coast and Southwestern waters, during winter. Both the males and females look similar with black crowns, back, wings, nape and face. They have white plumage on their necks, throat and bellies, and have red eyes and bills that are a green-yellow color.
Being water birds, the Western Grebe can be found close to the seashore, freshwater lakes, ponds and swamp areas. They generally feed on fish, which is speared with their bills, but also eats crustaceans and insects. During the breeding season, both the male and female Grebe will assisting in building a nest that floats and is constructed from plant materials that are in turn, anchored to plants that emerge above the water, and is in swallow waters. The female Grebe will lay three or four eggs, and both parents will take care of the eggs during the incubation period. The incubation period for the Western Grebe is 23 to 24 days. The eggs are a blue-white color and the male and female Grebes both feed the chicks after they have hatched. The Western Grebe, and the Clarke’ Grebe, population numbers were dwindling dangerously low, due to being hunted for their feather. Conservationists have worked to protect these species and the numbers have slowly been increasing. These birds are very sensitive during the breeding season, and if humans come too close to the nest, they will abandon the nest. This leaves the eggs completely exposed to dangers.
The Western Grebe has one of the most amazing and spectacular mating dances and it is elaborate and very entertaining. Both the male and female Grebes will lift their chests above the water and move together while gently letting the vegetation that they have in their bills, run over one another. The mating pair will then look at one another, before they suddenly leap from the water and run across the surface with wings outstretched and necks held rigid, before diving head first into the water, together.
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