Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus
Bidy length, 31 - 38 cm; wing length, 13.1 - 15.8 cm
300 - 515 g
Estimated at 239,000 - 583,000
High northern latitudes; breeds in small, shallow fresh water bodies or inlets
Dance master. The horned grebe uses complex behavioral displays during courting and aggression, with choreography ranging from a "penguin dance" to swimming side by side in a hunched posture while trilling in duet. The grebe is also graceful in its foot-assisted takeoffs, which makes it look as if it's running on water. But a multitude of dangers are catching up to it, including human disturbance at breeding sites, fluctuating water levels, introduced predators and toxic chemicals. Will the dance continue?
Dance master. The horned grebe uses complex behavioral displays during courting and aggression, with choreography ranging from a "penguin dance" to swimming side by side in a hunched posture while trilling in duet. The grebe is also graceful in its foot-assisted takeoffs, which makes it look as if it's running on water. But a multitude of dangers are catching up to it, including human disturbance at breeding sites, fluctuating water levels, introduced predators and toxic chemicals. Will the dance continue?