91. Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)

Red-necked Grebes usually turn up the the UK only in winter around the coast, as they are migratory, breeding in parts of central and northern Europe. So we don't normally get to see the smart breeding plumage or cute stripy-headed chicks as in the photo below (although I think all grebes have cute stripy-headed chicks!). In winter, the plumage is more muted, with the red neck fading to a diffuse grey-brown collar and a white breast. Its cheeks become more dusky, contrasting with the winter plumage of Great Crested Grebe with its sharp contrast between black crown and white cheeks; Red-necked Grebe also has a shorter chunkier neck than Great Crested.

Red-necked Grebe, ©winnu, via Flickr Creative Commons.

Red-necked Grebe sketch.

Not quite right, but it was fun to draw the chick!