Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps


HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 9 inches
* Sexes similar
* Small, stocky-bodied grebe with a short, thick bill
* Brown plumage, darker on the crown and back
* White undertail coverts
* Feet set far back on body and trail awkwardly behind body in flight

Adult alternate:

* Black ring around horn-colored bill
* Whitish throat

Adult basic:

* Horn-colored bill without black ring
* Brown throat

Juvenile:

* Black and white striping about head

Similar Species:

All other grebes have thinner bills and quite different plumage.