Podiceps nigricollis
Range
They are found in western North America, Europe, Africa and Eurasia.
Habitat
In the summer, they live on ponds and lakes. In the winter, they migrate south to coastal habitats.
Body Traits
They are small waterbirds reaching only about 13-14 inches (35 cm) long. In summer, they are black with golden flanks and ear tufts. They have red eyes and a thin, dark, upturned bill. Their winter plumage is black and gray with a white ear patch.
Habits
They dive for water insects or skim them off the water’s surface. On sunny mornings, they can be seen with their back to the sun, taking in its warmth.
Diet
They eat small fish, water insects, shrimp and other small crustaceans.
Reproduction
Females lay up to 8 bluish-white eggs in a nest woven of water plants and secured among the reeds or cattails on the edge of the lake or pond. Chicks can follow their mother out onto the water within hours of hatching.
Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Class Aves
Order Podicipediformes
Family Podicipedidae
Genus: Podiceps
Species P. nigricollis