A photograph of a paper cutout of a photo of a Western Grebe sitting on a nest made of dried pond reeds.
“Western Grebe” on nest of pond reeds

Western Grebe

WEGR
  • Scientific: Aechmophorus occidentalis
  • Spanish: Achichilique Común
  • French: Grèbe élégant
  • Family: Grebes
  • Bird Code: WEGR

If there is a 3° C increase in temperature due to unmitigated climate change

Predicted percentage of habitat lost

38%
Summer range lost
42%
Winter range lost

Climate and other threats imore info

Habitat

Aquatic habitats including coasts, lakes, wetlands, and rivers. Nests on shallow lakes with emergent vegetation.

Range

During breeding season, can be found in many western and northwestern U.S. states as well as central and western Canadian provinces. Winters along North American west coast from British Columbia to Baja California. Can be found inland year-round in central Mexico.

Silhouette of Grace's Warbler
Did you know?

Like other grebe species, Western Grebes frequently ingest their own feathers during preening. These feathers accumulate in the stomach, potentially offering protection against sharp fish bones. The grebes periodically expel pellets that contain the feathers, along with the small bones and other indigestible matter.