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Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)
Date of admission: June 29, 2026.
Reason for admission: Orphan
Patient History:
Red-necked Grebes are easily recognizable during the breeding season due to their bold and contrasting plumage. Adults have vivid chestnut-red necks, a dark crested crown, pale grey cheeks, and a distinctive yellow, dagger-like bill. From late April through early August, these grebes can be found breeding on shallow inland lakes and marshes across the prairie parklands and boreal forests of North America, primarily in Canada and Alaska, as well as northern Eurasia. During the winter months, Red-necked Grebes migrate to sheltered marine coastlines along the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, as well as large unfrozen lakes such as the Great Lakes.
Like many grebe species, Red-necked Grebes form seasonal monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Their courtship involves a variety of fascinating displays, including discovery, weed, and greeting ceremonies, where pairs strengthen their bond through coordinated movements and behaviours. Both parents work together to build a floating nest made of aquatic vegetation, often anchored to emergent plants or secured to the lake bottom. Females typically lay between 1–9 eggs, and once the chicks hatch, they quickly climb onto their parents’ backs, where they spend much of their time for the first 10–17 days of life.
Red-necked Grebes are highly specialized diving birds, using their uniquely lobed feet to propel themselves underwater. Unlike ducks, their feet are not webbed; instead, their streamlined design acts like powerful oars, allowing for excellent underwater speed and maneuverability. While hunting, grebes may visually scan through clear water or partially submerge their heads before diving to pursue prey. They use their sharp bills to capture a wide variety of food, including fish, crustaceans, salamanders, frogs, clams, and aquatic insects.
These two Red-necked Grebe chicks were found orphaned in Sylvan Lake. Thankfully, the finder was able to safely contain them and make the long drive to our facility, allowing us to provide the specialized care they needed. With the support of your sponsorship, we can continue providing these chicks with the nutrition, rehabilitation, and care they need to grow into healthy adult birds.