Horned Grebe spring breeding plumage is something that we are not yet privy to in Oklahoma, and this video will show you how beautiful this bird looks. It got is name from the yellow feathering behind its ears that simulate horns, which it can raise at will.
A Boreal breeder and also found in spotty locations, as a breeder in the northern US, this uncommon bird turns up here in the winter on open larger lakes as well as upon reservoirs more commonly as time progresses. It is rarely seen on small ponds. Generally migrating singly instead of in a flock, these waterbirds will move over landlocked areas at night.
It differs from all small grebes by the white bill tip, head pattern, and shape of the head. It is virtually silent unless on the breeding grounds. It is called the Slavonian Grebe in Eurasia, where it s very common.
Horned Grebe
Boomer Lake Park, 2016
This grebe will consume some of its feathers to aid in digestion as a filter for the fish bones until they decompose. Young grebes are fed feathers in the same manner to begin the same health cycle.
Grebes are often shown in educational material as their courtship display is so unusual. They will rise to a vertical position with erect head feathers while they rapidly move their heads from left to right. They will both dive for weedy nesting material, then run across the water's surface side-by-side.
The Horned Grebe can usually be observed upon winter habitat right around some of the first good cold snaps, like it was today at Boomer Lake. It is a couple of weeks early, usually appearing in December.
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