Watercolor portrait of Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus
Uncommon Territorial Advertising Song

Learn to identify the Horned Grebe by ear. Master the "kayik-kayik-kayik" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“kayik-kayik-kayik”

What the Horned Grebe sounds like

Small, compact grebe famous for its striking "horns"—golden tufts of feathers behind the eyes—in breeding plumage. Transforms into a more subdued gray-and-white bird in winter. Spends most of its time on the water, diving frequently for prey and rarely venturing onto land except to nest.

“kayik-kayik-kayik”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Series of nasal, staccato notes given by males on breeding ponds, often accelerating toward the end. Often written as “kayik-kayik-kayik”.
Don't confuse with:The Eared Grebe — horns are thinner and more pointed

Where you'll hear it

Breeds across boreal regions of North America and Eurasia; winters along both Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, the Great Lakes, and temperate coastal waters of Europe and Asia.

Breeds on small, shallow freshwater ponds, marshes, and tundra lakes with plenty of emergent vegetation; winters on large lakes, sheltered coastal bays, and estuaries.

Present on breeding ponds from late April to August; migrates mainly April–May and September–November; occupies wintering waters from October to April.

Similar species

Eared Grebe

Horns are thinner and more pointed

Red-necked Grebe

Larger size and heavier bill

Pied-billed Grebe

Much smaller with thick pied bill

Horned Grebe song FAQ

What does a Horned Grebe sound like?
Series of nasal, staccato notes given by males on breeding ponds, often accelerating toward the end. Listen for the "kayik-kayik-kayik" phrase.
How do I tell a Horned Grebe from a Eared Grebe by sound?
Eared Grebe: Horns are thinner and more pointed; Eared Grebe has entirely dark neck and flanks in breeding plumage; Bill is thinner and slightly upturned.
When is the best time to hear a Horned Grebe?
Present on breeding ponds from late April to August; migrates mainly April–May and September–November; occupies wintering waters from October to April.