Red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena)

Close up of an adult red-necked grebe in breeding plumage
Photo by Ron LeValley

A red-necked grebe in breeding plumage

Category: Birds
Vulnerability to climate change (More details)

Moderate

If you see this species, please share your observation using the WDFW wildlife reporting form. Providing detailed information such as a photo and exact coordinates will improve the confidence and value of this observation to WDFW species conservation and management.

In Washington, the population size and trend of the red-necked grebe is unknown. Status of this species is not clear. Wintering populations in the state exhibit ecological traits identified as risk factors for marine birds that occur in the Salish Sea.

Description and Range

Physical description

Red-necked grebes are about 20 inches in length. They have a long neck, are gray-brown above, and have a dusky-white underside. They have dusky-white cheek patches, and a black cap that extends over the eyes. Non-breeding and immature birds have a dusky-white throat whereas breeding adults have a rusty-orange neck, hence the name “red-necked.”

Ecology and life history

Red-necked grebes nest on freshwater lakes, reservoirs and sloughs where marsh vegetation is present and overwinter in marine bays, estuaries and protected shorelines. By May, they have usually arrived at their breeding sites where they remain until fall.

Nesting occurs on shallow, freshwater lakes, as well as shallow protected marsh areas and secluded bays of larger lakes. Nest sites are selected based on a combination of attributes including shelter from wind and waves, availability of nest materials and anchorage, easy swimming access, proximity to open water, and distance from terrestrial predators. Breeding pairs typically nest solitarily and both members of the pair incubate one brood per year. Nests are constructed in reeds along lake margins and are raised slightly above the surface of the water

By mid-November, most have returned to their wintering areas. Winter habitats include saltwater bays and estuaries and other protected locations. In migration, they are found on lakes, ponds, and rivers.

Red-necked grebes dive for their prey and feed on fish and insects, as well as crustaceans, mollusks, amphibian eggs and larvae, and some vegetation.

Geographic range

The red-necked grebe overwinters along the Pacific coast from Alaska to southern California. In western Washington, it is a fairly common migrant and winter visitor; it rarely occurs in summer in marine waters and on freshwater lakes west of the Cascades. East of the Cascades, the red-necked grebe is a local, fairly common breeder in northeastern Washington, but is a rare to uncommon winter visitor. The size of Washington’s breeding population is unknown.

For a maps of range-wide distribution and other species' information, check out NatureServe Explorer and the International Union of Conservation of Nature.

Climate vulnerability

Sensitivity to climate change

Moderate-
High

Very limited information, but likely affected by changes in nesting and roosting habitat and prey availability. Sea level rise and coastal erosion could lead to declines in protected winter habitat. Increased storminess or wind may enhance vulnerability of nests. Additionally, juveniles feed mainly on invertebrates (e.g., crustaceans, mollusks); thus, any declines in these populations due to ocean acidification could limit prey availability for juvenile red-necked grebes.

Confidence: Low

Exposure to climate change

Moderate

  • Sea level rise
  • Increased storminess
  • Declines in pH
Confidence: Moderate

Conservation
This species is identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) under the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). SGCN-classified species include both those with and without legal protection status under the Federal or State Endangered Species programs, as well as game species with low populations. The WDFW SWAP is part of a nationwide effort by all 50 states and five U.S. territories to develop conservation action plans for fish, wildlife and their natural habitats—identifying opportunities for species' recovery before they are imperiled and more limited.
This species is identified as a Priority Species under WDFW's Priority Habitat and Species Program. Priority species require protective measures for their survival due to their population status, sensitivity to habitat alteration, and/or recreational, commercial, or tribal importance. The PHS program is the agency's main means of sharing fish and wildlife information with local governments, landowners, and others who use it to protect priority habitats for land use planning.

Conservation Threats and Actions Needed

  • Resource information collection needs
    • Threat: Determine population trend for both winter and breeding populations.
    • Action Needed: Conduct surveys to understand species trend and distribution.

See the Climate vulnerability section for information about the threats posed by climate change to this species.

Resources

References

Stout, B. E., and G. L Nuechterlein. 1999. Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena). Birds of North America 465: 1- 32.

Vischis, L. I., C. K. Johnson, J. R. Evenson, S. F. Pearson, K. L. Barry, P. D. Davidson, M. G. Raphael and J. K. Gaydos. 2014. Assessing ecological correlates of marine bird declines to inform marine conservation. Conservation Biology: doi: 10.1111/cobi.12378.

Wahl , T. R. 2005. Red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena). Pp 79 – 80 in T. R. Wahl, B. Tweit, and S. G. Mlodinow (eds.) Birds of Washington: Status and Distribution. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR, USA. 436 pp.

Other resources