Black-necked Grebe
VU

Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

UnknownVUEUVUEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-necked_grebe

Overview

The black-necked grebe or eared grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It was described in 1831 by Christian Ludwig Brehm. Its breeding plumage features distinctive ochre-coloured feathers which extend behind its eye and over its ear coverts.

The rest of the upper parts, including the head, neck, and breast, are coloured black to blackish brown. The flanks are tawny rufous to maroon-chestnut, and the abdomen is white. In its non-breeding plumage, this bird has greyish-black upper parts, including the top of the head and a vertical stripe on the back of the neck.

The flanks are also greyish-black. The rest of the body is a white or whitish colour. The juvenile has more brown in its darker areas.

This species is present in parts of Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas.

The Black-necked Grebe faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation of shallow wetlands due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and water diversion projects. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and water levels in critical breeding and wintering areas, while pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial sources degrades water quality in the species' aquatic habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and wetlands with emergent vegetation for nesting, typically at elevations ranging from sea level to over 4,000 meters. During winter, the species also utilizes coastal lagoons, estuaries, and sheltered marine waters.

FRESHWATER· majorMARINE· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Podicipedidae

Red-necked GrebeVU

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

Unknown
Great Crested GrebeVU

Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus

Unknown
Southern Silvery GrebeVU

Southern Silvery Grebe

Podiceps occipitalis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Black-necked Grebe classified as Vulnerable?
Black-necked Grebe is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Black-necked Grebe faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation of shallow wetlands due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and water diversion projects. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and water levels in critical breeding and wintering areas, while pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial sources degrades water quality in the species' aquatic habitats.
Where does Black-necked Grebe live?
Black-necked Grebe occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Black-necked Grebe?
The main threats to Black-necked Grebe are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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