Black-Necked Grebe Vs Slavonian Grebe: Key Differences Explained
The Black-Necked Grebe and the Slavonian Grebe are both small water birds belonging to the grebe family, but they have distinct differences in appearance, behaviour, and habitat. In this article we’ll be highlighting those differences making it easier for you to identify both of these birds in the wild.
Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Black-Necked Grebe and the Slavonian Grebe are small water birds that can both be seen in the UK during winter
- Black-Necked Grebes have striking black necks with golden tufts behind their eyes
- While Slavonian Grebes have a distinctive black cap with white cheek patches
- Black-Necked Grebes prefer shallow, mineral rich marshy lakes and wetlands
- Whereas Slavonian Grebes prefer deeper lakes and ponds with open water
- Slavonian Grebes are known to breed in Scottish sea lochs
- Whereas Black-Necked Grebes are rare breeders in the UK
- Black-Necked Grebes are typically quiet outside of the breeding season
- Whereas Slavonian Grebes tend to be more vocal all year round
What Is The Difference Between A Black-Necked Grebe And A Slavonian Grebe?
Both of these birds are small waterbirds and can both be seen in the UK especially during the winter months when they migrate from mainland Europe to spend their winters in the relatively warmer climes of Great Britain.
However, there are enough differences between them to make a positive ID relatively simple. These differences include;
Visual Differences
Black-Necked Grebes have a striking black neck and golden tufts behind the eyes as well as reddish-brown flanks. These features are especially prominent during the breeding season, but can still be seen in the non-breeding season although somewhat muted.
Slavonian Grebes have a distinctive black cap with a white cheek patch as well as chestnut and yellow-brown sides especially during the breeding season. Their non-breeding plumage is also more muted but they’re easily identifiable by their dark crown even in winter.
Differences In Habitat
Black-Necked Grebes prefer shallow, mineral rich marshy lakes and wetlands usually in areas of dense vegetation. In winter they migrate to salt water lakes or coastal estuaries.
They breed across Europe and parts of Asia, but are rare breeders in the UK. They tend to migrate to southern coastal areas in winter.
Slavonian Grebes are typically found in deeper lakes and ponds with more open water. Although rare, they are most often spotted in Scottish sea lochs during the breeding season.
They tend to breed in northern Europe and parts of Asia and spend their winters in more temperate regions including along UK coasts and estuaries.
Differences In Behaviour
Black-Necked Grebes are well known for their diving skills and regularly feed on small fish and invertebrates. They are generally solitary birds or found in small groups.
Slavonian Grebes also dive for their food which is also mainly small fish and aquatic invertebrates. However, Slavonian Grebes are typically more sociable and can often be found in pairs or even larger groups when feeding.
Nests & Eggs
Black-Necked Grebes nest in open shallow water. The nests are constructed from algae, rotting plant materials and other soft plant matter.
Both the male and the female will dive underwater and bring up plant matter which is piled on top of each other to make a pyramid shaped pile. The majority of the nest is underwater with just a small bowl-shaped nest level with the surface of the water. They then place a flat disc that is fitted above the bowl to cover the eggs.
These nests are either constructed on the water attached to underwater plants or in some cases they make the nest close to the water’s edge. They tend to nest in colonies with only around 3 to 6 feet between each nest.
They will lay anywhere between 3 to 7 eggs with an average clutch containing 3 or 4 eggs. The eggs are chalky textured and off-white when first laid. However they tend to take on a greenish-blue tint from the vegetation they’re surrounded by.
Slavonian Grebes also construct floating structures from rotting aquatic plants which the male and the female work together to build. They lay anywhere between 3 to 8 eggs with 5 to 7 being the typical clutch size.
The eggs vary in colour from white, brown or blue-green. They also defecate on the eggs in order to camouflage them and make them less appealing to predators.
Bird Calls
Black-Necked Grebes are usually relatively quiet outside of the breeding season. They make a high-pitched “ooeek” call and a low fast trill during the breeding season for marking their territory and as part of their courtship rituals.
Slavonian Grebes have different calls at different times of their lives. Younglings and juveniles make a trilling, peeping sound which changes to a chittering sound as they mature into adult birds.
During the breeding season, their calls become more nasal and finish with a trill. This call is used for marking their territory and attracting a mate.
Size & Weight
Both species are similar in size, but the Black-Necked Grebe is generally a bit smaller and more slender than the Slavonian Grebe. The average length of a Black-Necked Grebe is 28 to 34 cm with a wingspan of around 56 to 60 cm and an average weight of around 250 to 350 grams.
The average length of the Slavonian Grebe is around 31 to 38 cm with a wingspan of around 59 to 65 cm. They have an average weight of between 360 and 450 grams.
SEE ALSO: Long-Tailed Tit Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
Black-Necked Grebes are rare breeders in the UK but they can sometimes be seen during winter around the Thames Estuary and along the south coast of England.
Black-Necked Grebes are rare breeding birds in the UK and are also relatively rare winter visitors as well.
The best place in the UK to see Slavonian Grebes is around the coasts of Scotland. With most sightings reported around sheltered waters in the Northern Isles, Northwest Scotland, Loch Ryan, The Firth of Forth and the Moray Firth.
