This morning, I wanted to share an Eared and Horned Grebe nonbreeding plumage comparison. Why? Because, at this time of year, I can see both species.

Both of these small grebe species can be found in northern Utah during the coldest months of the year. Eared Grebes can be abundant, while Horned Grebes are uncommon.

In breeding plumage, these two small grebe species are easy to tell apart due to their distinctive facial plumage and patterns. But when they are in their winter plumage? Not so much for novice birders.

I’ve been seeing Eared Grebes in the marsh at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge for several weeks. When I find them I make it a point to stop, scope them all with my lens, and look for Horned Grebes. I’d love to have more photos of both species, especially Horned Grebes.

Eared Grebe in marsh habitat, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahEared Grebe in marsh habitat – November 14, 2022 – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Eared Grebe in nonbreeding plumage

Eared Grebes have a black cap that extends downward into a smudge on the cheek, with a grayish neck that accentuates a white chin patch. Their heads are described as ‘less clean-cut’ than Horned Grebes. They are more dusky overall, especially on the neck.

The bills of Eared Grebes are slightly upturned and not as heavy as the bills of Horned Grebes. They also lack the white tip on their bills that Horned Grebes typically display.

Horned Grebe in marsh habitat, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahHorned Grebe in marsh habitat – January 11, 2022 – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Horned Grebe in nonbreeding plumage

Horned Grebes have a black head that sharply contrasts with a white cheek, gray-black upperparts, and grayish-white underparts. Their necks are usually white on the front. They tend to appear more black-and-white overall.

Their bills appear straighter and heavier than the bills of Eared Grebes. Typically, they have a white tip on their bill but that is not always the case, so I look for the other identification features when it is lacking.

Size Difference

Horned Grebes can be about an inch larger than Eared Grebes, but size in the field, especially when you have a single bird, isn’t always the best measure to use.

Head Shape Differences

Eared Grebes have a thinner neck with a smaller head. The crown is highly peaked above the eye, not flat.

Horned Grebes have a thicker neck and larger head with a flatter crown.

Here are two curveballs, though. Both of these grebe species can raise and flatten the feathers on their heads, so I don’t solely rely on their crowns for identification purposes. Instead, I look for other key identification features. Additionally, without having both species in front of me at the same time, the size of their head is also a feature on which I don’t heavily rely.

During this time of the year, my bird brain gets picked about this: Is it Eared or Horned?

Now you know how I know

But, kind of in slow motion, my bird brain zips through this so fast in the field that it sometimes freaks me out a bit. And it’s my brain.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Eared Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see my Horned Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species.