Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegena (Boddaert, 1783)
RX
RENGR
100
Family: Podicipediformes > Podicipedidae
This medium-sized grebe is a scarce winter visitor, mainly to the coasts of eastern Scotland, and eastern and southern England.
Difficult to see for the casual observer, Red-necked Grebes are found in very small numbers on the sea from October to March. In winter plumage they can be tricky to separate from their larger cousin, the Great Crested Grebe, being mainly shades of grey, although the short, thick neck is a good feature.
Atlas data suggest a wintering population of around 50–60 birds is present in most years. Breeding attempts by this predominantly European species are sporadic and very rare, which is a shame as the lovely rufous neck and black and white face make this a striking bird in breeding plumage.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Red-necked Grebe
Identification
Red-necked Grebe identification is sometimes difficult. The following article may help when identifying Red-necked Grebe.
Identifying winter Grebes
From Great Crested and Red-necked to Slavonian and Black-necked, separating grebes in winter plumage can be challenging. This identification video from the BTO discusses all the features to help identify them with confidence.
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| UK Birds of Conservation Concern | Red listed |
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Vulnerable |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
|
Listed on the Annexes of
|
Bern(II), Bonn(II*), AEWA |
POPULATION SIZE
| UK (winter) | 60 (2011-15) |
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
1787 |
DISTRIBUTION
In winter, Red-necked Grebes can mostly be found along North Sea coasts from Angus to Kent, along the south coast of England, and at scattered at inland sites, mainly in eastern England. They occasionally attempt to breed but most summer records are of single individuals.
-
Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in breeding season | 2 |
| % occupied in breeding season | 0.07 |
| No. occupied in winter | 242 |
| % occupied in winter | 8 |
European Distribution Map
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
-
Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution Change 1968–72 to 2008–11.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution Change 1981–84 to 2007–11
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
| % change in range in winter (1981–84 to 2007–11) | +7.4% |
SEASONALITY
Red-necked Grebe are mostly scarce winter visitors, present from early autumn through to late winter and early spring; odd individuals summer in some years.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Red-necked Grebe, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
|
Number of Broods
|
1 (2) |
|
Egg Size
|
51×34 mm Weight = 30.5 g (of which 10% is shell) |
SURVIVAL & LONGEVITY
View number ringed each year in the Online Ringing Report
|
Adult Survival
|
0.8
|
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Ring size
|
G |
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: RX | 5-letter code: RENGR | Euring: 100 |
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