Look for Pied-billed Grebes in marshes, lakes, ponds, and other slow-moving bodies of water that have plants growing in the water. They use water plants and grasses for shelter and to make nests. During both migration and in the winter, Pied-billed Grebes are also seen in coastal bays.
Both male and female Pied-billed Grebes help to build floating nest platforms that support open bowl style nests. They use tender water plant material for constructing these structures. Pied-billed Grebes place their nests near the water’s edge in shallow water or in between the stems of plants in somewhat deeper water. They use vegetation, such as cattails, growing in the water to anchor their nest platforms.
Very soon after birth, baby Pied-billed Grebes leave their nest and are able to swim, dive, and catch food. They frequently climb onto the backs of their parents and can remain there for about 1-3 weeks. Some young birds will simply swim and follow their parents or they will cling to the rear feathers of their parents. Both parents help feed their young. At about 10 weeks after hatching, young birds head out on their own. By then, they are capable of finding enough food by themselves.
The population of Pied-billed Grebes has drastically declined over the past several years. They are no longer seen in some states where they used to be in the past. Our remaining wetland habitats need to have strong laws that preserve and protect them. We need to keep our wetlands free of pollutants and trash so that Pied-billed Grebes and other wildlife can continue to exist.
What do Pied-billed Grebes eat?
Pied-billed Grebes eat crayfish, small fish, frogs, spiders, shrimp, mussels, snails, tadpoles, seeds, some plant material, and insects. They dive underwater for the majority of their foods; but are also seen catching insects on the water’s surface or in the air.
It’s amazing; but Pied-billed Grebes eat a large quantity of their own feathers! They do this to prevent sharp shells and other foods from entering and damaging their intestines. The feathers act like a shield or a strainer inside their stomachs!
What do Pied-billed Grebes sound like?
Pied-billed Grebes are usually not all that vocal except during the nesting season. You can listen now to their sounds: