How to Spot a Pied-Billed Grebe

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Understand the habitat and range of The Pied-Billed Grebe. This waterbird is found throughout North America. In the summer months, you'll find it in the northern part of North America, and it winters in the south. Since it's a waterbird, look for it on lakes, ponds, bays and marshes.
Step 2:
Observe the Pied-Billed Grebe's physical appearance with brown upperparts, a brown head and paler brown underparts. The sides have barring and there is white tufting under the tail. The tail is rounded, and the wings are tapered. The Pied-Billed Grebe has a small, thick bill. This bill is white, and it has a black ring around it during the summer.
Step 3:
Take note of the size of the Pied-Billed Grebe. These birds are between 12- and 15-inches long with a wingspan of 18 to 20 inches. They are also stocky and weighing, on average, 9 to 18 ounces.
Step 4:
Listen to the call of the Pied-Billed Grebe. They make a loud sound that resembles that of a cuckoo. It is often repeating.
Step 5:
Pay attention to the Pied-Billed Grebe's behavior. These waterbirds are often seen swimming. They swim similar to the way in which a duck swims. They also dive down under the surface of the water when danger approaches. Pied-Billed Grebes fly with rapid wing beats. They are direct flyers.

Tips & Warnings

Juvenile Pied-Billed Grebes have striping on the neck and face, and females and males look similar to the adults.
The bill of the Pied-Billed Grebes resembles the bill of a chicken.

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