37 
Distinctions. Size, long slender neck and pure black and white coloration distinguish 
this from all other of our Grebes. The bill is exceptionally long and pointed, and occurs 
in two types without apparent connexion with sex, age, or geographical distribution (Figure 
72). One large and straight (a), and the other small and recurved (b). 
Field Marks. Size, sharply contrasted black and white coloration, and long graceful 
neck that suggests its popular name of Swan Grebe. The black cap, descending in a 
sharp line down the back of the neck, and slight ear tufts, make this bird very distinctive 
in life. The white patch in the open wing will distinguish this bird from any of the smaller 
Loons in flight. The presence of only one wing patch will separate it from the Holboell’s 
Grebe which has two white areas on each wing. 
Nesting. On floating or stationary masses of dead reeds or tules in wet marshes 
about freshwater lakes, in some cases in communities so dense that one can almost step 
from nest to nest. 
Distribution. Westward from the beginning of the prairies in Manitoba to the Pacific 
coast, north not far beyond the southern edge of timber. Though rather common on the 
lakes and seacoast of British Columbia all summer it has never been found nesting in that 
province. 
One of the most gracefully beautiful and characteristic birds of the 
prairie sloughs. While the females are performing the duties of incubation 
in the marshes, the males, non-breeding birds, or those on relief, are to be 
seen floating about the open water, curling their sinuous necks with graceful 
ease and occasionally uttering a fine, high “ Krik-a-all ” that can be heard 
a considerable distance and is quite different from the raucous cries of 
some of their near relatives. 
F'f 5 2. Holboell’s Grebe, red-necked grebe. Colymbus holboelli. L, 19. This is one of 
our two larger Grebes (See Western Grebe). Summer adults have a jet black cap continu- 
ing down the back of the neck, white 
cheeks and throat faintly tinted 
with grey and a rich chestnut-red 
neck (Figure 73). 
Distinctions. Size will distinguish 
this Grebe from all but the West- 
ern, and colour from the Western. 
Juveniles generally have a sugges- 
tion of rufous mixed with the dull 
grey neck, but are otherwise similar 
to the young Western, though 
colours are less contrasted and more 
blended. 
Field Marks. The pearly grey or 
silvery white cheek patch against 
the darker crown and neck makes 
the adult recognizable at long range. 
The shorter, greyer, and less grace- 
ful neck will separate the juvenile 
from the Western Grebe, and the 
white wing patches. Bhown in flight, 
will distinguish it from any of the 
Loons. In flight Holboell’s Grebe shows two white areas on each wing, that on the forward 
edge of the limb from wrist to body is very striking and characteristic. 
Nesting. On floating or stationary vegetable compost or marshy islets near the 
shores of freshwater lakes. 
Distribution. Across the continent, breeding along our western southern borders 
northward. 
Figure 73 
Holboell’s Grebes; scale, J. 
Winter Summer 
This Grebe in the breeding season is commonly seen on all the prairie 
sloughs. Those who live close to such localities have probably heard its 
loud raucous notes and perhaps have wondered whence they came. 
