Hooded Grebe
CR

Hooded Grebe

Podiceps gallardoi

Stable

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hooded_grebe

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Hooded Grebe faces severe population decline primarily due to introduced American mink predation, which devastates breeding colonies by consuming eggs, chicks, and adults. Climate change has reduced water levels in the high-altitude lakes of Patagonia where the species breeds, while invasive rainbow trout compete for food resources and alter lake ecosystems. Wind farm development in the species' limited range poses additional collision risks during migration.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Hooded Grebe inhabits high-altitude alkaline lakes and lagoons in the Patagonian steppe of southern Argentina, typically at elevations between 300-1,200 meters. During winter, the species migrates to coastal estuaries and sheltered marine bays along the Atlantic coast.

Wetlands (inland)· majorDesert· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsPolicies and regulations

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Hooded Grebe classified as Critically Endangered?
Hooded Grebe is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Hooded Grebe faces severe population decline primarily due to introduced American mink predation, which devastates breeding colonies by consuming eggs, chicks, and adults. Climate change has reduced water levels in the high-altitude lakes of Patagonia where the species breeds, while invasive rainbow trout compete for food resources and alter lake ecosystems. Wind farm development in the species' limited range poses additional collision risks during migration.
Where does Hooded Grebe live?
Hooded Grebe occurs in Argentina, and Chile. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hooded Grebe?
The main threats to Hooded Grebe are 1.1, 10.1, 11.1, and 2.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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