The characteristic upward-tilted bill and head are distinctive. The wintering wonder
OThe Black-necked Grebe. n Mallorca, the Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) is a winter visitor, sometimes in good numbers and is also a migrant. Es Trenc in the south can be a reliable site to see them as can on occasion Tucan Marsh near Alcudia. The generic name Podiceps comes from two Latin words, podicis meaning ‘vent’ and pes meaning ‘foot’. This is in reference to the attachment point of the bird’s legs – at the extreme back end of its body. The specific epithet nigricollis is Latin for ‘black-necked’, with niger meaning black and collis meaning neck. The voice is a chittering trill but in winter they are generally silent.
In winter, they fish amongst the breakers, floating buoyantly over the waves. They have multiple foraging techniques too, with insects forming some of the diet, either caught on the surface of the water or when they are in flight. They can dive to catch crustaceans, molluscs, tadpoles, small fish and even frogs. Dives usually last less than 30 seconds or so and are shorter in time in more shallow water. They rest in between dives on average for around 15 seconds, and when diving they pull their head back and then arches it forward into the water with the body following. Only when under the water will the legs start moving. When swimming on the surface of the water, the body is relatively high (none of the underparts will be visible however). The neck is held upright with the bill held forward and parallel to the water, with the feet forming strong alternating strokes.
Unlike other members of the family, the Blacknecked Grebe often forms flocks outside of the breeding season. Although this is not enough to identify the species, the characteristic upward-tilted bill and head are distinctive, even at a distance or in silhouette. They are excellent swimmers and seem perfectly at home even on rough seas, however, severe winds or colds will force them to find more sheltered feeding areas such as the sites mentioned above.
Although not found on Mallorca, they are similar to the Slavonian Grebe, but the Black-necked Grebe has a steep forecrown, upturned bill and upward-tilted head and bill which are excellent identification features. Sexes are similar. The eyes are a gorgeous red with orange-yellow feather tufts behind them. In winter they have mostly dark upperparts and white underparts. The black cap looks more complete than that of the Slavonian while the neck appears greyer and generally grubbier looking. In flight they show a white wedge on the trailing edge of the inner-wing only.
Birds of Mallorca field guide and the Eurasian Hoopoe books available to purchase – email wildmajorca@gmail.com for further details.