Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

Range.—Breeds from Dakota and Illinois northward; winters to the Gulf of Mexico.

EARED GREBE.

4. Colymbus nigricollis californicus. 13 inches.

This species is rarely found as far east as the Mississippi River. In summer the neck is black, lacking the chestnut color of the former. It can always be distinguished from the [Horned] by the upper mandible being straight on the top.

Nest.—In colonies similar to the above, laying from 3 to 8 eggs, which are usually nest stained to a brownish cream color.

Range.—From the Mississippi to the Pacific, nesting from Texas to British Columbia.

PIED-BILLED GREBE.

6. Podilymbus podiceps. 13½ inches.

This species cannot be mistaken for any others of the grebes in any plumage, because of its stout compressed bill and brown eyes, all the others having red eyes. In summer the bill is nearly white, with a black band encircling it; the throat is black; breast and sides brownish-gray; the eye encircled with a white ring.