Clark's grebe is very similar in plumage, habitat, and behavior to the western grebe. It breeds in inland lakes with emergent vegetation such as cattails and tules. It requires open water for foraging on the surface or diving below in pursuit of fish. It winters both along the seacoast and on major rivers.

Like the western grebe, Clark's grebe is a specialist in fish, which make up over 80 percent of its diet. It will also eat other aquatic organisms like crayfish, amphibians, and aquatic insects.

Its breeding range in Oregon overlaps that of western grebe, but Clark's is not as common. In winter, this species occurs in western Oregon, mostly along the coast in very low numbers.

Photo by Charlotte Ganskopp