Aechmophorus
clarkii
(Clark's
Grebe)
Similar Species- The Clark's Grebe and Western Grebe were formerly considered to be the same species. The distinguishing morphological difference between them is that the cap on the Western Grebe extends past the eye. The bill of the Western Grebe is yellow.
Song:
A one-note
creek!
Distribution:
Breeds from southeastern
Alaska, east to southwestern Manitoba, and south into portions of western and
midwestern U.S.; also breeds in Mexico. Winters from southern British Columbia,
south along Pacific Coast (sometimes inland) to Mexico.
Habitat:
Found
on marshes, lakes, and bays. During migration and in winter, also found along
sheltered seacoasts, and, less frequently, along rivers. Usually forages in
deeper water than Western Grebe.
Diet:
Eats fishes and
aquatic invertebrates.
Ecology:
Builds platform
nest on shallow water. Nests colonially, often mixed with Western Grebes. Dives
from water surface to obtain food. Species is rare in northern range, but as
common as Western Grebe in south. Often seen in association with Western Grebes,
but species is less common than the latter in Idaho. Ecology and reproduction
are similar to, but not as well understood as, Western Grebe.
of 3-4 eggs. Incubation
(by both sexes) lasts about 23 days. Young leave nest at hatching, and are tended
by both parents.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABNCA04020 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S2 |
| National Rank: | N5B,N5N |
Important
State References:
Trost, C.H. and A. Gerstell. 1994. Status and distribution of colonial
nesting waterbirds in southern Idaho, 1993. Dept. Biol. Sciences, Idaho St.
Univ., Pocatello. 101pp.