I think this is a Pied-Billed Grebe in its winter attire. But, I took this image on the South Platte River, in Colorado, in Jan. The books that I have do not place this bird in a river in Colorado in the winter. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.
Posted by Luke Ormand on January 9, 2013 at 10:52 AM
you're correct - it's a pied-billed grebe. easiest way to ID it is the diminutive size of both the bird and the bill - you won't find anything else like it. Additionally these birds will "sink" when threatened instead of flying away.
Posted by Richard Ditch on January 9, 2013 at 11:10 AM
The shape and the bill look good for Pied-billed Grebe, but I'm a bit troubled by the amount of pale plumage on the face and neck. That might be an artifact of the exposure and processing.
These birds are resident year round in central AZ and I've not seen any that look quite like this. There are 20 images in my Pied-billed Grebe gallery on my web site (note the date for each image is shown as well so you can see any seasonal changes in plumage).
Posted by Nick Baldwin on January 9, 2013 at 1:27 PM
Both my colleagues are correct, but I would add that I believe it is a first year and thus the coloration and lack of distinct bill bar or "Pied" marking. Also some adults also have light coloring!
Hope this is helpful.
Good Shooting to you.
Posted by Nick Baldwin on January 9, 2013 at 1:29 PM
I forgot to mention this is the adult with light coloring. and this is a juvenile.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on January 9, 2013 at 2:12 PM
It's not a typical Pied-billed Grebe, but it's hard to imagine what else it could be. Do you have other shots?
Discussion
5 repliesThese birds are resident year round in central AZ and I've not seen any that look quite like this. There are 20 images in my Pied-billed Grebe gallery on my web site (note the date for each image is shown as well so you can see any seasonal changes in plumage).
Hope this is helpful.
Good Shooting to you.