Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
Quails & Grebes
Rare
Year-Round
Pied-billed Grebe, non-breeding - Mojave Desert, CA © Tom Benson
Pied-billed Grebe, breeding - CSU San Bernardino © Tom Benson
The Pied-billed Grebe is a rare visitor to campus that may occur any time of year if there is suitable habitat (ponded water) present. It has bred in the flooded basins around Badger Hill at least twice, in 2012 and 2016. It is a common breeding resident throughout southern California on ponds, lakes, and marshes.The adult breeding Pied-billed Grebe is entirely brown and has a pale gray bill with a black band near the tip, while in non-breeding plumage it has a plain, dull yellowish bill. Juveniles are similar to non-breeding adults but have black and white-striped heads.