Appearance:

Largely unmistakable. All black, with white frontal shield and pale bill. Very stocky build. Lacks the white lateral stripe and white under tail-coverts of Moorhen. White trailing edge of wings visible in flight. Juveniles paler and more grey than adults, often with whitish front and neck. Under tail-coverts are dark, unlike juvenile Moorhen.

Sound:

Varied. Usually short, metallic and explosive. Most diagnostic call a very short, sharp and explosive "tsk". Sometimes a longer, less sharp but nasal "caw", with varying harshness.

Various calls:

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

Appearance:

Small and compact grebe. May be confused with Red-necked Grebe or Black-necked Grebe. In all plumages; short bill and flat crown. Thicker neck than Black-necked Grebe and lacks steep forehead. Dark bill with pale tip, often surprisingly visible. Summer; chestnut neck, black head and golden crests. Sexes alike, but male slightly brighter coloured. Winter; black upperparts and white underparts (differs from Little Grebe). Pure white cheeks in adults (grey in Red-necked Grebe). Juveniles may show faintly streaked cheeks, but still giving a white impression.

Sound:

Varied. Vibrating, wailing, dry and cackling sequences. A mewing, falling and far-reaching "kiaa" and various rattling sounds.

Display:

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

CC

Sounds:Recorded by Patrick Åberg,http://www.xeno-canto.org ,CC license