Watercolor portrait of Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena
Breeds across boreal North America and E… Nests on sheltered freshwater lakes, pon… Uncommon Wailing duet

Learn to identify the Red-necked Grebe by ear. Master the "keeee-kek-kek-kek...keeee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“keeee-kek-kek-kek...keeee”

What the Red-necked Grebe sounds like

A chunky, medium-large grebe with a thick neck, dagger-like bill, and low swimming profile. In breeding plumage it shows a rich chestnut neck framed by a crisp black cap and contrasting white cheeks. Outside the breeding season the plumage turns gray and white, but the bird still appears bulky with a relatively heavy, two-toned bill.

“keeee-kek-kek-kek...keeee”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Male and female deliver loud, nasal wails and short chattering notes in a synchronized display that carries over long distances on breeding lakes. Often written as “keeee-kek-kek-kek...keeee”.
Don't confuse with:The Horned Grebe — much smaller and slimmer-necked

Where you'll hear it

Nests on sheltered freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes with plentiful emergent vegetation; winters mainly on large lakes, estuaries, and sheltered coastal bays where open water remains available.

Arrives on breeding lakes in late April–May, nests through summer, migrates southward August–October, spends the nonbreeding season November–March on ice-free large water bodies.

Similar species

Horned Grebe

Much smaller and slimmer-necked

Eared (Black-necked) Grebe

Even smaller with fluffy rear, thin upturned bill

Great Crested Grebe

Considerably larger with long neck and ornate head plumes

Red-necked Grebe song FAQ

What does a Red-necked Grebe sound like?
Male and female deliver loud, nasal wails and short chattering notes in a synchronized display that carries over long distances on breeding lakes. Listen for the "keeee-kek-kek-kek...keeee" phrase.
How do I tell a Red-necked Grebe from a Horned Grebe by sound?
Horned Grebe: Much smaller and slimmer-necked; Breeding plumage shows golden head plumes and dark neck, not rufous; Bill short and straight with white tip.
When is the best time to hear a Red-necked Grebe?
Arrives on breeding lakes in late April–May, nests through summer, migrates southward August–October, spends the nonbreeding season November–March on ice-free large water bodies.