Red-necked Grebe

Two grebes answer back and forth, shifting from keen whinnies into rougher, donkeylike bursts.

Breeds across boreal North America and Eurasia; in North America winters on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and the Great Lakes, while Eurasian birds winter on the Baltic and North seas, the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and coastal East Asia.

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.

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.