Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis
Saline waters and dams. Above dark blackish-brown; eyes red; has golden ear coverts and flanks when breeding; whitish below when not breeding.
Grebes
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Locally common resident. Larger than [Little Grebe]. Black plumage and golden flanks and ear coverts of adult in breeding plumage unmistakable; when not breeding has a white throat and foreneck. Eyes are red. Utters a quiet ‘poo-eep’ and a rapid chattering. Small groups on quiet saline waters or densely packed flocks in sheltered bays on the southern and west coast. When preening, habitually exposes its white belly by rolling to one side on the water. Nomadic.
Quick Facts
Size
28 cm - M
Names
A: Swartnekdobbertjie
Ss: Thoboloko E Molalantsho
G: Schwarzhalstaucher
Bird Family
Small, almost tailless waterbirds. They feed beneath the surface by diving, remaining submerged for 20-50 seconds. They are seldom seen on land, but fly long distances at night to new waters. Breeding and non-breeding plumages differ. Small chicks are striped on the upperparts, the head-stripes remaining until nearly fully grown. Chicks ride on parents' backs.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
