Western Grebes and Clark’s Grebes are so similar in plumage patterns and behaviors that until 1985 they were considered to be color phases of the same species – the Western Grebe. In fact they’re similar enough that many observers never even recognize Clark’s Grebes when they see them and assume that they’re the more common Western Grebe.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed these two grebes just over a month ago at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. The Clark’s Grebe is in the foreground in front of the Western Grebe. I didn’t have enough depth of field to get both birds sharp but I think this image is a pretty good one for pointing out (once again) the three primary morphological differences of the two species.
-
The bill of the Clark’s Grebe is bright yellow compared to the yellowish-green bill of the Western.
- The black crown of the Western Grebe extends below the eye while it does not in the Clark’s.
- The Western Grebe tends to have less white on the flanks and wings than the Clark’s.
The ranges of these two grebe species overlap considerably so they’re often seen together. I thought it might be useful to point out their differences since we’re seeing many of them now in much of western North America.
Ron
Note: I’m on an extended camping/photo trip to Montana and internet access is intermittent at best so I won’t be able to respond to comments that may be posted (though I do get the comment emails on my phone when I have a signal and I enjoy reading them).
their call is also diagnostic…Clark’s has a one syllable note [the same as the word Clark’s has one syllable], and Western has a two syllable call [the same as the word Western has ….two syllables], This really helps at long distances and low light.
Now isn’t that obliging of them to pose together?
Thanks to you I have grown much better at this! Your photos are such a beautiful education
Love the differences you point out. ID’ing can be hard. This makes it very simple.
Just revisiting…this is a GREAT image!!!
Love them. And adding my vote that rather more bird books adopt this principle. And, in the interim, loving this glimpse of birds I will probably never see. Thank you.
Nice comparison! I’ve never seen either species but would love to!
Great shot. The differences are more subtle in nonbreeding plumage, so for those of us who only get these birds in winter – when viewing conditions are often poor as well – positively identifying a Clark’s is even more of a challenge.
Wonderful photograph. Marvelous comparison. This should stand as a lesson learned for all birders and a reason why often the more rarer Clark’s is misidentified. Thank you.
Perfect image for identification and comparison….couldn’t be better for pointing out differences. I agree with Dick RE usefulness in a field guide and/or a magazine. To top it off, it’s also an incredibly beautiful, serene image. The composition is perfect , the image is simple and uncluttered, I love the reflection, the barest of ripples, and the feeling of calm, undisturbed water …wonderful!
Nice image. It seems that they are posing for you. Something like this ” OK let us be quiet so that he can point out the differences between the two of us”. And I can understand the difficulty to recognize them especially at a long distance.
Hope everything is OK with you and Mia.
Have a great time.
Ron, you should sell this photo to a birders field guide or magazine. This is an excellent example of the difference between the two!!
Many thanks for this photograph, Ron it makes my day!! As a birder and long time Christmas Bird Count leader and participant we had, 2yrs ago, a Clark’s Grebe here on Lake Champlain. I was convinced it was a Clark’s Grebe based on the yellow bill and the white over the eye, but my colleges thought it was a Western Grebe, or at least would be willing to attest to seeing a Western but not a Clark’s. So, it was posted as such. This shot simply gives credit to the bird we observed. Thanks again!