88. Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

The Black-necked Grebe breeds in similar habitats to the Slavonian Grebe, but its range is further south, stretching across much of central Europe. It breeds in small colonies, some of which can be found in a few places in the UK. It winters around the coasts of southern and central Europe. In winter, its black and white plumage looks similar to that of the Slavonian Grebe, but it can be told apart by its relatively steep forehead with a peak at the crown over the eye, thinner more pointed bill with no pale tip, and less contrast between the black crown and white cheeks - in Black-necked Grebe, there is more of a dark bulge extending down behind the eye onto the cheek, where in Slavonian this is a straight line.

Black-necked Grebe, ©Marek Szczepanek, via Wikimedia Commons.

Black-necked Grebe sketch.

Hmm, a bit shonky today - head too small, body too chunky!