Black-Necked Grebe Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)

The Black-Necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) is a rare breeding bird in the UK and is an extremely rare sight during winter months. This relatively small diving duck has golden tufts of feathers on either side of its face which cover the ear and extend behind the eye. The rest of the head, neck and breast are black or a blackish-brown.

It has tawny-brown or chestnut-red flanks and a white abdomen when in its breeding plumage. Outside of the breeding season, the Black-Necked Grebe has greyish-black upperparts and flanks with the rest of the body being a white or off-white colour.

The golden tufts earn this bird its American name of Eared Grebe. For much more information on the Black-Necked Grebe from nest building through to fledging as well as much more, keep reading.

How Long Does A Black-Necked Grebe Live?

Black-Necked Grebes have a typical lifespan of around 10 to 15 years in the wild. However, like many bird species, their lifespan can be influenced by various factors such as predation, food availability, environmental conditions, and human activities. 

Some individuals may live longer, while others may not reach this age due to these external pressures.

How Fast Can A Black-Necked Grebe Fly?

Although Black-Necked Grebes are almost flightless for around 9 months of the year (due to their annual moult when they lose all of their flight feathers) they can reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km/h) during their migratory flights.

These fascinating birds undertake a journey of around 3,700 miles (6,000 km) to migrate from their breeding grounds to their wintering grounds. Once they reach their wintering grounds they moult and lose the ability to fly for as little as 1 month or as long as 9 months.

During the moult these birds can double in weight and although the migratory journey is incredibly dangerous with many thousands of Black-Necked Grebes dying along the way, they are still classed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Are Black-Necked Grebes Aggressive?

Black-necked Grebes are generally not considered to be aggressive birds, but they can display territorial or defensive behaviour, especially during the breeding season. At this time, they may become more protective of their nesting areas and young, particularly towards other birds or those seen as a threat. This can include chasing or vocalising at intruders that come too close to their nests.

Outside of the breeding season, Black-necked Grebes tend to be more social, often forming large flocks, especially during migration or while feeding. Their interactions in these settings are generally peaceful and focused on cooperative behaviours like group foraging.

What Is A Black-Necked Grebe’s Habitat?

Black-Necked Grebes prefer sheltered coastal waters and large open expanses of water like reservoirs during winter. They breed on shallow, mineral rich lakes. 

Their preferred breeding sites will have plenty of vegetation around the edge of the water and usually with floating aquatic plants sheltered from strong winds.

In the UK they are mainly seen around southern coastal areas during winter.

How Long Does It Take For A Black-Necked Grebe To Build A Nest?

It typically takes around 5 to 7 days for Black-Necked Grebes to build a nest. Both adults gather building materials like algae, rotting vegetation and other soft plant materials.

The male and female will dive below the water’s surface close to the nesting site and retrieve plant materials from under the water. They then lay these materials on top of each other to make a pyramid-shaped pile.

Most of this pile is submerged with just a smallish cup-shaped nest level with the surface of the water. They make a flat disc that fits above the cup to cover the eggs.

The nests are often constructed in open shallow water and attached to underwater plants. In some cases they nest close to the water’s edge. This is because they have difficulty walking because their legs are set back so far on their bodies.

They typically nest in colonies with only around 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 metres) between each nest.

The actual time taken to build the nest depends on a number of factors like the availability of nesting materials, the age and experience of the nest builders and the weather conditions.

Eggs

Once the pair are satisfied with the nest it’s time to lay their eggs. This marks an important milestone in the development of the next generation of Black-Necked Grebes.

When Do Black-Necked Grebes Lay Eggs?

Black-Necked Grebes tend to lay their eggs between late April and July. The exact time depends on a number of factors including the temperature, the availability of food and the age and experience of the breeding pair. 

How Many Eggs Does A Black-Necked Grebe Lay?

Black-Necked Grebes can lay anywhere between 3 to 7 eggs in a clutch with the average clutch containing 3 to 4 eggs. 

They typically only lay one brood each season; however, if the first brood was successfully raised early enough in the season, they may raise a second brood.

What Do Black-Necked Grebe Eggs Look Like?

The eggs of the Black-Necked Grebe are a chalky texture and are off-white when first laid. They tend to take on a greenish-blue tint from the vegetation they are surrounded by and sometimes a brownish colour from rotting plant material and other nest mess.

Each egg is around 45 x 30 mm in size with a weight of around 21 grams.

How Long Do Black-Necked Grebe Eggs Take To Hatch?

The eggs are incubated by both parents for an average of 21 days. The eggs of the entire colony are synchronised to hatch within a few days of each other.

Chicks

As soon as the eggs hatch the birds desert their nests and although the chicks can swim and dive as soon as they hatch, they tend to stay on their parents backs for around 4 days after hatching.

How Many Chicks Does A Black-Necked Grebe Have?

The number of chicks that hatch should correspond to the number of eggs laid. However, there are generally some eggs that don’t hatch due to not being fertilised.

It is generally accepted that around 63 to 65% of Black-Necked Grebe eggs survive to the hatchling stage. This means from a clutch of 4 eggs we can expect 2 or maybe 3 chicks to survive.

When Do Black-Necked Grebe Chicks Open Their Eyes?

The chicks of the Black-Necked Grebe hatch with their eyes open. These precocial chicks are capable of walking, swimming and diving within hours of hatching. Although they spend the first 4 days on their parents’ backs.

It is thought this back carrying by their parents saves the parents from having to travel to and from the nesting site with food for their young. Plus, it is safer having your young ones close by at all times as you can help them escape any would-be predators.

When Do Black-Necked Grebe Chicks Fledge?

Black-Necked Grebe chicks fledge, or tackle their first hesitant flight at around the age of 45 to 50 days.

The young chicks spend the first 4 days after hatching on their parents’ backs being fed and travelling through their habitat. After around 10 days the parents split up with both taking half of the chicks with them.

Around 10 days after this, the chicks become independent and fledge around 3 weeks later.

SEE ALSO: Ptarmigan Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)

Frequently Asked Questions