Clark’s Grebes Were Once Considered a Color Morph of the Western Grebe

The appearance of the Clark’s Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii) differs from the Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) primarily in the white of the face extending above the eye and onto the lores…

and its bright orange, slightly upturned bill (above), compared to the Western’s straight yellowish-green bill (below). Click on photos for full sized images.

Until the 1980’s, the Clark’s Grebe was considered a color morph of the Western Grebe.

They nest on large inland lakes in western North America and migrate to the Pacific coast in winter, however they maintain local populations year-round in California.

Here in Northern California, Clear Lake is one of the four lakes that support 76% of the total number of nesting grebes in the state¹.

Here is a photo of their nest which is built by the male and female, of material brought from under water, the surface, or emergent vegetation, usually near the nest. They normally lay 3 to 4 eggs per clutch.

Their courtship behavior begins during Spring migration and includes the incredible “rush” display where the pair literally run across the top of the water. What a great bird!

References: Audubon California¹