Clark's grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii

Clark's grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii) is a North American waterbird species in the grebe family.

Family: Podicipedidae Order: Podicipediformes Conservation: Least Concern
Clark's grebe

About the Clark's grebe

Clark's grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii) is a North American waterbird species in the grebe family. Until the 1980s, it was thought to be a pale morph of the western grebe, which it resembles in size, range, and behavior. Intermediates between the two species are known. This species nests on large inland lakes in western North America and migrates to the Pacific coast over the winter. It maintains local populations year-round in California, Nevada, and Arizona (the Lower Colorado River Valley), as well as in central Mexico. It feeds by diving for insects, polychaete worms, crustaceans, and salamanders. It performs the same elaborate courtship display as the western grebe.

Fun Facts About Clark's grebe

  • Until the 1980s, it was thought to be a pale morph of the western grebe, which it resembles in size, range, and behavior.
  • This species nests on large inland lakes in western North America and migrates to the Pacific coast over the winter.
  • It maintains local populations year-round in California, Nevada, and Arizona (the Lower Colorado River Valley), as well as in central Mexico.

Conservation Status

The Clark's grebe is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderPodicipediformes
FamilyPodicipedidae
GenusAechmophorus
SpeciesAechmophorus clarkii

Range & Habitat

Range map of Clark's grebe

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Related Species

Other species in the Podicipedidae family: