Red-necked Grebe
| Irish Name: | Foitheach píbrua |
| Scientific name: | Podiceps grisegena |
| Bird Family: | Grebes |
green
Conservation status
Conservation status
Status
Rare winter visitor to coastal areas from October to March.
Identification
Slightly smaller than the commoner Great Crested Grebe. In adult summer plumage, it is unmistakable, having a bright red neck and large white face patch. The base of the otherwise dark bill is yellow. This plumage is only infrequently seen and most sightings involve birds in winter plumage. This plumage is much less colourful, with the red neck replaced by white and dull brown. Juvenile birds resemble adults in summer plumage, but the white face patch is streaked black and the neck is less extensively red coloured.
Voice
Generally silent when seen in Ireland.
Diet
Catches fish such as Herring and Sandeels, as well as small crustaceans (shrimp) by diving.
Breeding
There no confirmed breeding records of Red-necked Grebe in Ireland and sightings between April and September are very rare. Red-necked Grebes breed from Scandinavia and Central Europe eastwards to Asia and North America.
Wintering
Red-necked Grebes are usually found on sheltered bays and estuaries.
Monitored by
Rare along all Irish coasts, with less than ten individuals reported most years. Wexford Harbour and Strangford Lough are some of the more reliable sites for this species.
Rare Winter visitor to coasts.
Breeds in scattered pockets of Eastern and Northern Europe.
