Western Grebe again? Not so much! One of the most fascinating and, at times, frustrating elements of birding is the ability to distinguish very subtle features that may determine one species from another. Can you identify the key differences between the Western Grebe and the Clark’s Grebe?
- Grebe #1
- Grebe #2
Don’t worry if you are having difficulty, up until 1985, these two species were considered one!
See below for answers…
- Clark’s Grebes
Common Name: Clark’s Grebe
Latin Name: Aechmophorus clarkii
Range: Winters along the Western Coast of the United States and Mexico. Summers and breeds in western states of the US, including Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon and parts of Washington and Idaho. Year-round residents throughout central Mexico and regions of California, Arizona and Nevada.
- Another beautiful pair of Clark’s Grebes
Habitat: The Clark’s Grebe is found in marshy areas.
Diet: Fish
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Answer:
Clark’s Grebe |
Western Grebe |
| White plumage surrounds the eye | Black plumage surrounds the eye |
| Bright yellow-orange beak | Grayish-yellow hued beak |
| Mostly lighter plumage on flanks | Mostly black/gray plumage on flanks |
| Thinner black neck stripe | Thicker black neck stripe |
Happy Birding!!
Michelle
