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Posted by Vince Lucas on 18:17:49 11/26/06
In Reply to: Re: Eared or Horned grebe? posted by Toe
Interesting bird. However, I'd have to go with Horned Grebe. A couple of things. . . . if you look closely, you'll see a pale white spot in fron of the eye. This is diagnostic of Horned Grebe. The bill doesn't look right for Eared Grebe to me. Eared Grebes have a more slender bill as I recall. The white throat and cheeks contrast with the darker crown and nape of this bird which is indicative of Horned Grebe. Horned Grebe can have residual rufous coloration on the neck in winter plumage. Lastly, their is no crescent of white behind the eye as would be the case in Eared Grebe in winter plumage. There are other fieldmarks that also support Horned Grebe vs. Eared Grebe. I think the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of N.A. offers the best treatment for these two birds in winter plumage IMO.
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