Species:

Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

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Length (cm):
28-34
27-30
Wingspan (cm):
56-60
71-83
Weight (gram):
213-450
190-280
Size group:
Crow-size
Thrush-size
Main Texts:
Appearance:

Small and dark grebe, with squarish head and thin, uptilted bill. Adult breeding plumage distinct, with unique combination of black head and neck, and a spray of golden, fan-like feathers from eye to nape. Winter plumage birds are easily confused with Slavonian Grebe, but note dark, rear cheek-patch, and darker collar. Head profile distinct, with its steep forehead. In winter plumage highest point is above the eye, as opposed to nape in Slavonian. Much more contrasting plumage than Little Grebe. Avoids to take wing if possible.

Sound:

Territorial song a disyllabic, flute-like "zoeeee-chk". First part drawn, ascending and plaintive, second part descending and clipping. Timbre is unpure. Other calls include chittering and trilling calls resembling Slavonian or Little Grebe.

Song:

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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

CC-photo:Agustín Povedano, Licence,Link.

CC-sound:Patrik Åberg, Licence,Link.

Appearance:

Summer plumage unmistakable, with black underparts framed in white, with white and grey-speckled upperparts. Diagnostic in all plumages are the black armpits, which are clearly visible in flying birds. Also shows white wing-bars and very pale tail, with some barring. Winter-plumaged and juvenile birds speckled in grey with white underparts. Can be mistaken for Golden Plover. Especially the juveniles, which may have faint golden tone to plumage. Note instead heavier bill with swollen tip and bulkier body.

Sound:

Contact call diagnostic. A plaintive, drawn and trisyllabic (but continuous) "kleeooowee". Pitch falls on second syllable and rises on last.

Contact call:

Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file


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

CC-photo:bathyporeia, Licence,Link.CC-sound:Paul Marvin, Licence,Link.

Similar species (image):
Similar species (sound):
Silhouette Group:
Loons/grebes
Silhouette
Waders
Silhouette
Several different images of the species
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Several different sounds of the species
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file
Error loading Flash for sound!
See sound file