Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

The Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) is a compact member of the Podicipedidae family, known for its golden ear fans and red eyes. Along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, this species is a fall, spring visitor, frequenting the saline lakes and marshes that characterize much of northwestern Oklahoma's diverse landscape. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet, Oklahoma, serves as one of the premier locations for observing this species in the Central Flyway corridor.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Podiceps nigricollis
Family	Podicipedidae (Grebes)
Size	5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length, weighing approximately 0.5-1.2 ounces (14-34 grams)
Habitat	Saline lakes and marshes
Diet	Brine shrimp and aquatic insects
Seasons in Oklahoma	Fall, Spring
Conservation Status	Least Concern

Identification Guide

When identifying the Eared Grebe in the field, look for the golden ear fans and red eyes. This species measures approximately 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length, weighing approximately 0.5-1.2 ounces (14-34 grams). In the saline lakes and marshes habitats typical of northwestern Oklahoma, careful observation will reveal the distinctive features that separate this species from similar birds in the area.

Physical Description

The Eared Grebe presents golden ear fans and red eyes, making it a rewarding find for Central Flyway birders. This species belongs to the grebes group and shares the saline lakes and marshes with several related species, though careful observation reveals the unique characteristics that make the Eared Grebe unmistakable.

The Eared Grebe feeds primarily on brine shrimp and aquatic insects, and observing feeding behavior can be an excellent identification tool. Watch for this species foraging in saline lakes and marshes throughout the Salt Plains region and surrounding areas of the Central Flyway.

Tips for Field Identification

Males and females may differ in appearance, so familiarizing yourself with both plumages will improve your identification success rate during visits to the Central Flyway.

Key field marks to look for include:

Size and shape: 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length, weighing approximately 0.5-1.2 ounces (14-34 grams), with a build typical of grebes
Distinctive features: Golden ear fans and red eyes
Behavior: Watch for feeding activity in saline lakes and marshes
Voice: Listen for this species' characteristic calls, which are often the first indication of its presence in dense habitat

Habitat and Range Along the Central Flyway

The Central Flyway stretches from the Arctic tundra of Canada through the Great Plains of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond into Central and South America. Oklahoma sits at a critical juncture in this migratory corridor, and the Eared Grebe takes full advantage of the state's saline lakes and marshes during its seasonal visits.

In northwestern Oklahoma, the Eared Grebe primarily inhabits saline lakes and marshes. The unique geography of the Salt Plains region, where the Great Salt Plains create a mosaic of salt flats, shallow wetlands, grasslands, and wooded riparian corridors, provides exceptional habitat diversity that supports the Eared Grebe alongside hundreds of other bird species.

The Eared Grebe's range along the Central Flyway extends through the heart of the Great Plains, with Oklahoma representing a critical migration stopover.

Seasonal Presence in Oklahoma

Spring is an excellent time to observe Eared Grebes in the Central Flyway as they move northward through Oklahoma. The Salt Plains area becomes particularly active from mid-March through May, with Eared Grebes frequenting saline lakes and marshes throughout the region. Early morning hours along the shores of Salt Plains Lake and the surrounding refuge lands offer prime viewing opportunities during this season.

Fall migration brings Eared Grebes through the Central Flyway in significant numbers from September through November. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge becomes a critical stopover point as these birds refuel for their continued journey. Birders stationed along SH 64 between Cherokee and Jet often report sightings during this peak migration period.

Migration Patterns

The Eared Grebe's migration through the Central Flyway follows patterns that have been refined over thousands of generations. In Oklahoma, the timing of arrivals and departures varies somewhat from year to year depending on weather patterns, but generally follows predictable seasonal rhythms. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1930, has provided a consistent and protected stopover point for migrating Eared Grebes throughout its history.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

The Eared Grebe sustains itself on brine shrimp and aquatic insects, a diet well-suited to the resources available in saline lakes and marshes throughout the Central Flyway. In the Salt Plains region of northwestern Oklahoma, this species has adapted its foraging strategies to take advantage of the unique combination of habitats available.

The Eared Grebe's feeding behavior is well-adapted to the saline lakes and marshes of the Central Flyway region. In northwestern Oklahoma, this species has found abundant food resources in the diverse habitats surrounding Salt Plains Lake and the associated refuge lands.

Seasonal changes in food availability influence the Eared Grebe's diet throughout the year. During spring and summer, increased insect populations often supplement the diet, while fall and winter may see a greater reliance on seeds, berries, or other seasonal food sources available in the region.

Conservation Status

The Eared Grebe is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable and healthy population across its range. In the Central Flyway, this species benefits from the protected habitats at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and other conservation lands throughout northwestern Oklahoma. However, ongoing habitat management and monitoring remain important to ensure this species continues to thrive in the region.

Threats and Challenges

The primary threats facing the Eared Grebe in the Central Flyway include:

Habitat loss and fragmentation: Conversion of saline lakes and marshes to agricultural or developed land reduces available habitat
Climate change: Shifting weather patterns may alter the timing of migration and availability of food resources
Human disturbance: Recreational activities near sensitive habitats can disrupt feeding and nesting behaviors
Pesticide exposure: Agricultural chemicals can reduce insect prey populations and cause direct toxicity

Conservation Efforts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's network of wildlife refuges, state parks, and conservation areas provides essential protected habitat for the Eared Grebe and many other Central Flyway species. Key conservation initiatives include:

Ongoing habitat management at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (580-626-4794)
Water level management to maintain optimal wetland conditions
Grassland restoration programs throughout northwestern Oklahoma
Citizen science programs including Christmas Bird Counts and breeding bird surveys
Educational programs at Great Salt Plains State Park (580-626-4731)

Best Viewing Locations

For birders hoping to observe the Eared Grebe along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, these locations offer the best opportunities:

1. Washita National Wildlife Refuge

This area provides suitable saline lakes and marshes habitat for the Eared Grebe and is worth exploring during fall, spring when this species is present in the Central Flyway region. Check local conditions before visiting and respect all posted regulations to help protect wildlife habitat.

2. Alva and Northwestern Oklahoma State University area

3. Boiling Springs State Park

4. Glass Mountains

5. Alabaster Caverns State Park

Birding Tips for Observing the Eared Grebe

Best time of day: Early morning hours typically offer the most active viewing, especially during spring migration
Equipment: A quality pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) is essential, and a spotting scope can be helpful for viewing at distance
Patience: Allow time for the bird to exhibit natural behaviors
Respect wildlife: Maintain appropriate distances and avoid disturbing nesting or roosting birds
Record your sightings: Report observations to eBird to contribute to scientific knowledge of the Eared Grebe in the Central Flyway

Related Species

Other grebes you may encounter while birding in the Central Flyway:

This guide is part of the CherPub Central Flyway Bird Guide series, covering all 312+ bird species documented at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and throughout Oklahoma's Central Flyway corridor. For more information about birding in northwestern Oklahoma, visit Salt Plains NWR or contact the refuge at 580-626-4794.