Birds
Silvery Grebe
Podiceps occipitalis · also called silvery grebes
Nesting shoulder to shoulder in dense colonies rarely seen among grebes, a silvery grebe builds its floating nest anchored to aquatic plants, diving beneath the surface on feet set far back on its body to chase down small fish and invertebrates.
Overview
The silvery grebe, Podiceps occipitalis, is a Least Concern waterbird native to wetland and coastal habitat across southern South America, including parts of the Andes. Its pale silvery plumage, unusually sociable colonial nesting habit, and wide elevational range make it one of the more adaptable and visually distinctive grebe species found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
A grebe that prefers company
While most grebes nest as isolated, well-spaced pairs, the silvery grebe instead gathers into dense breeding colonies, a sociable strategy that sets it apart from the more solitary habits typical of its family.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable wetland habitat throughout southern South America.
Silvery Grebe: common questions
Why is it called the silvery grebe?
This species has pale, silvery-grey plumage overall, a colouring that gives the species its common name and helps distinguish it from other grebe species found across South America.
Does the silvery grebe nest alone or in groups?
This species breeds in dense, sociable colonies on lakes and lagoons, nesting close together in numbers unusual among grebes, which are more commonly solitary nesters.
How does the silvery grebe build its nest?
This species constructs a floating nest anchored to aquatic vegetation, allowing the nest to rise and fall safely with changing water levels rather than being fixed to the shoreline.
Where is the silvery grebe found?
This species is found across a wide range of elevations in southern South America, from lowland coastal lagoons to high-altitude lakes in the Andes.