Silvery Grebe

Overview

The silvery grebe (Podiceps occipitalis) is a small waterbird in the family Podicipedidae, native to the western and southern regions of South America. It typically inhabits open wetlands, with two subspecies that are recognised as separate species by some authorities.

Identification

• Approximately 28 cm in length with a black crown, white neck, chest and belly, dark grey back and blackish flanks.
• Red eyes with a black bill and feet.
• Southern subspecies features yellowish ear plumes and a grey head and throat; the northern subspecies has grey ear plumes and a white head and throat.

Habitat

Found in freshwater lakes, lagoons, reservoirs and ponds across the western and southern parts of South America, including the Falkland Islands. The northern subspecies inhabits Andean highlands between 3,000 m and 5,000 m, while the southern form ranges up to 1,500 m in Chile and Argentina.

Diet

Feeds on aquatic invertebrates, including caddisfly adults and larvae, water beetles, chironomid midges and water boatmen, which it catches while diving under the surface of the water.

Did you know?

In Patagonia, the silvery grebe sometimes inhabits saline lakes where it can be observed foraging in the company of flamingoes.