This very interesting bird, about the size of a duck, is found in the warmer northern climates of many countries. Large numbers of grebes in many varieties live in the northwestern United States, Canada, Alaska and Iceland. Most of the species fly quite well, and some of them migrate to the Pacific and Atlantic coasts for the winter months and then return north in the spring. However, three species do not fly at all and the others fly only when necessary, preferring to remain near their nests in the marshy areas of ponds and lakes.
Although provided with strong legs, they do not walk well. They look like they are sliding along on their stomachs! In water, however, they are extremely graceful and wonderful swimmers. Although they are a rather large bird they can dive from the surface of the water without leaving even a ripple to show where they were or any indication as to where they will come up. They are excellent swimmers, both on the surface and underwater, and are much more at home there than on land.
The nest, which floats on the water, is built with weeds, sticks, reeds, etc., by the male and female together. It is tied to something solid or anchored underwater to keep it from drifting away. Isn’t it remarkable how the Creator taught them to do this?
Much time is spent “oiling” their feathers much like ducks do. This “water-proofing treatment” is done by rubbing their beaks against special glands on their bodies, then working the waxy deposit into all parts of the dense feathers.
Although they do not have webbed feet, the Creator has given them special fleshy edges on their long toes to aid in swimming. Their legs are not round like most birds, but pointed in front and back — a real help in moving swiftly through water and a help in catching fish which they spear with their long, sharp, pointed beaks.
An unusual thing about all grebes is that they eat great quantities of feathers, even feeding them to their little ones. No one is quite sure why they do this, but some think the feathers may act as strainers or cushions to keep fish bones and other sharp objects from piercing the inside of their bodies. Whatever the reason may be, it is part of God’s wonderful order.
There are about twenty species of grebes throughout the world, many of them strikingly pretty, such as the red-necked. It is brilliant red all along its long neck from its chest up to a soft-white head and a contrasting black cap. Descriptions of other species will be considered in the next issue.
ML-03/02/1986