Horned grebe
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The Slavonian Grebe, Podiceps auritus †, is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It is known in North America as the Horned Grebe.
It is a small grebe at 31-38 cm (12"-15") long with a 46-55 cm wingspan. It is duck-like, with scarlet eyes, and a small, straight black bill tipped with white during the summer. It rides high in the water.
Unmistakable in summer, the male's nesting plumage includes a black head with brown-yellow puffy earlike tufts along the sides of its face, and a red neck.
Slavonian Grebe breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes across Europe and Asia. It also breeds in remote inland parts of the United States and much of Canada. Most birds migrate in winter to the coast. In winter, this small grebe is mainly white with a sharply defined black cap, and resembles a small Red-necked Grebe.
Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it cannot walk well. Usually two eggs are laid, and the striped young are sometimes carried on the adult's back.
Slavonian Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish prey underwater.
During breeding, the male's call is heard as an odd, striking series of loud croaks and chattering notes followed by prolonged shrieks.
Folk names of this bird include Devil-diver, hell-diver, pink-eyed diver, and water witch.
† Podiceps: Latin for podicis (rump) and pedis (foot), referring to the placement of the legs on its body; auritus: Latin for eared.