Western Grebe Behavior: Courtship, Feeding, and Nesting
A calm, observant guide to Western Grebe behavior—courtship displays, diving and feeding, and nesting colonies—for prairie birdwatchers.
Contents
Western Grebe behavior is best known for the spectacular rushing ceremony, a courtship display in which two birds run side by side across the water with necks arched and bills raised. Feeding involves expert diving for fish, and nesting occurs in floating colonies among emergent vegetation. This article explains what to look for, when to see it, and how to observe these birds respectfully.
What Is the Western Grebe's Rushing Ceremony?
The rushing ceremony is a synchronized courtship display unique to Western Grebes and the closely related Clark's Grebe. In this display, two birds—often a male and female—rise out of the water side by side and run across the surface for several meters, necks extended forward and slightly upward, bills pointed ahead. Their feet paddle rapidly to keep them upright, creating a spray of water behind them. The rush may last only a few seconds and often ends with the birds diving.
This display is part of a longer sequence of courtship displays that can include head shaking, weed dancing, and mutual preening. The rushing ceremony is most frequently seen early in the breeding season, from late April through June, on calm water at dawn or dusk. For observers, the best approach is to watch from a distance with binoculars or a spotting scope; rushing birds are easily startled and will dive or fly away.
How Do Western Grebes Feed and Dive?
Western Grebes are fish-eating birds that dive beneath the surface to capture prey. They typically dive for 10 to 30 seconds, though longer dives occur, and resurface some distance from where they went under. They use their lobed feet—not webbed, but each toe has stiff flaps—to propel themselves underwater, while their dense, waterproof plumage keeps them buoyant but streamlined.
Before diving, a bird may peer underwater with its head submerged or sink slowly, compressing its feathers to release air. In clear lakes, you can sometimes see the bird swimming underwater, using its neck to strike at small fish. They feed primarily on small fish like minnows, perch, and sticklebacks, but will also take aquatic insects and crustaceans, especially in winter or when fish are scarce.
On a birdwatching outing, note the wind and light: calm water makes diving birds easier to track, and morning light can reveal them just under the surface. Be patient—after a dive, scan a wide area for the bird to reappear; they often surface far from the dive point.
Where and How Do Western Grebes Nest?
Western Grebes nest in nesting colonies, often of dozens to hundreds of pairs, in freshwater marshes and lakes with extensive emergent vegetation such as cattails, bulrushes, or reeds. The nest is a floating platform of aquatic plants anchored to standing vegetation, built by both sexes. Colonies are usually in shallow water, 0.5 to 2 meters deep, safe from terrestrial predators.
Colony sites are sensitive; disturbance by boat wakes or close approach can cause abandonment. If you observe a colony, stay at least 200 meters away and use a spotting scope. Avoid approaching by boat or canoe—large wakes can wash eggs from nests. The breeding season runs from May to August, with incubation about 23 days. Chicks leave the nest soon after hatching and ride on their parents' backs for several weeks.
Seasonal Timing for Observing Western Grebe Behavior
| Season | Typical Behavior | Observation Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April–June) | Arrival, pair formation, rushing ceremonies, nest building | Look for displays on calm mornings; scan marsh edges with a scope |
| Summer (July–August) | Chicks on backs, feeding dives, colony activity | Watch parents with young; note diving frequency |
| Fall (September–October) | Staging in large groups, pre-migratory feeding | Check large lakes at dusk; birds may gather in rafts |
| Winter | Coastal or ice-free lakes, feeding in pairs or small groups | Look for them in protected bays; they may be less vocal |
How to Observe Western Grebes Respectfully
To enjoy western grebe behavior without disturbing the birds, follow these steps:
- Arrive early, before sunrise, when grebes are most active and the water is calm.
- Use binoculars (8x or 10x) or a spotting scope on a tripod; stay quiet and move slowly.
- Keep a respectful distance: at least 100 meters for feeding birds, 200 meters for nesting colonies.
- Avoid boats, kayaks, or drones near colonies—wakes and noise cause panic and egg loss.
- Take field notes: record date, time, weather, number of birds, behavior, and location.
- If a bird stops feeding, looks at you, or begins to swim away, you are too close; back away slowly.
With patience, you will see not only the famous rushing display but also subtle courtship gestures, precise dives, and the tender care of parents carrying chicks. Respect for habitat ensures these behaviors continue for future observers.