Pied-billed Grebe #1

Original Fine Art Photography by Donna Kennedy...... more

by Donna Kennedy

Title

Pied-billed Grebe #1

Artist

Donna Kennedy

Medium

Photograph - Photographs

Description

Original Fine Art Photography by Donna Kennedy...

Part bird, part submarine, the Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) is common across much of North America. These small brown birds have unusually thick bills that turn silver and black in summer. These expert divers inhabit sluggish rivers, freshwater marshes, lakes, and estuaries. They use their chunky bills to kill and eat large crustaceans along with a great variety of fish, amphibians, insects, and other invertebrates. Rarely seen in flight and often hidden amid vegetation, Pied-billed Grebes announce their presence with loud, far-reaching calls.
The Latin genus name for “grebe” means “feet at the buttocks”—an apt descriptor for these birds, whose feet are indeed located near their rear ends. This body plan, a common feature of many diving birds, helps grebes propel themselves through water. Lobed (not webbed) toes further assist with swimming. Pied-billed Grebes pay for their aquatic prowess on land, where they walk awkwardly.
Pied-billed Grebe chicks typically leave the nest the first day after hatching and spend much of their first week riding around on a parent’s back. They usually spend most of their first 3 weeks on or near the nest platform.

Thank you to the Administrators that Featured this photo in the following Groups:
-All Natural Beauty of This World
-Shadows Silhouettes and Reflections
-FAA Portraits-Birds
-Animal Photographs
-Wild Birds of the World
-Reflections Rainbows
-Birds In Focus
-A Birding Group-Wings
-Wildlife One A Day
-Water Water and Water
-Out West-13 States

Uploaded

November 21st, 2017