The pied-billed grebe is an aquatic species that breeds at the edge of open water in freshwater lakes, ponds, sluggish rivers, and marshes. When disturbed, it sinks like a submarine, rather than diving, and re-emerges with only its head above water.

This is a brownish grebe with a black vertical bar in the middle of the rather stubby, whitish bill, and jet-black throat patch on both sexes in alternate plumage. It has a surprisingly loud "yelping" call within a marsh. Young have striking stripes on the head.

This bird is widespread and common in Oregon. It winters locally in open water.

Hear the call of the pied-billed grebe

See a pied-billed grebe tackle lunch

Photo by Dave Budeau, ODFW