Number 215 – the black-necked grebe (not a flamingo)

The black-necked grebe, otherwise known as the eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) is a rare breeding species in Britain, its small population is largely restricted to central and eastern England. During the winter months however, the species may be found more widely on both inland and coastal sites. It is listed as a Schedule 1 species on The Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it an offence to recklessly or intentionally disturb these birds.

It has recently been discovered, as a result of genetic analysis, that grebes are the closest living relatives of flamingos and that in fact they are rather distantly related to other diving birds such as ducks, loons and coots. There are 22 extant species of grebe (though I have only observed four). I have previously only spotted the eared grebe in the Algarve Portugal. This is my 215th British bird species on iNaturalist.

Posted on September 21, 2024 03:53 PM by