Black-necked Grebe
Scientific Name: PodicepsMaltese Name: Blongun Sekond
Family: Grebes (Podicipedidae)
Occurence: Regular
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Black-necked Grebe a medium sized grebe. The adult is unmistakable in summer with a black head and neck and yellow ear tufts. In winter, this small grebe is white with a poorly defined black cap. The Black-necked Grebe is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its prey underwater, eating mostly fish as well as small crustaceans, aquatic insects and larvae. It prefers to escape danger by diving rather than flying, although it can easily rise from the water. The Black-necked Grebe's eyes, which are fiery red in colour, are specially adapted so that it can see underwater. Like all grebes, the Black-necked Grebe nests on the water's edge, since its legs are set very far back and it cannot walk well. Interestingly, the Black-necked Grebe is essentially flightless for most of the year (9 to 10 months), however, when migrating, it will travel as much as 6000 km to reach prosperous areas where it can breed.
Status:
Regular wintering bird and autumn migrant.
When to See:
Arrives in late October and remains till March. Some stay till April/May. Sometimes seen also in July.
Where to See:
Best place to see is by far Ghadira Nature Reserve where sometimes there are up to 10 birds in winter. Simar Nature Reserve is also be good place. It may also be seen in bays or harbours. Sometimes seen migrating in small flocks out at sea from the coast in November/December.
Photographs:
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Black-necked Grebe changing into summer plumage, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Black-necked Grebes in winter plumage, Ghadira Nature Reserve | Black-necked Grebes in summer plumage, Simar Nature Reserve |
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Small Flock of Black-necked Grebes, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Juvenile Black-necked Grebe, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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