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This page lists books about grebes in the UK and around the world. The books are listed in order of publication date with the most recent at the top.

Little Grebe (Dabchick)
Tachybaptus ruficollis

Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus

Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegena

Slavonian Grebe (Horned Grebe)
Podiceps auritus

Black-necked Grebe (Eared Grebe)
Podiceps nigricollis

Other grebe species

Australasian Grebe
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

Madagascar Grebe
Tachybaptus pelzelnii

Least Grebe
Tachybaptus dominicus

Pied-billed Grebe
Podilymbus podiceps

White-tufted Grebe
Rollandia rolland

Titicaca Grebe
Rollandia microptera

Hoary-headed Grebe
Poliocephalus poliocephalus

New Zealand Grebe
Poliocephalus rufopectus

Great Grebe
Podiceps major

Silvery Grebe
Podiceps occipitalis

Junin Grebe
Podiceps taczanowskii

Hooded Grebe
Podiceps gallardoi

Western Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalis

Clark's Grebe
Aechmophorus clarkii

Ferrantia, Volume 72: Aberrant Plumages in Grebes Podicipedidae:

An Analysis of Albinism, Leucism, Brown and Other Aberrations in All Grebe Species Worldwide

André Konter

2015

Opening paragraph of abstract: "Records of aberrant grebes Podicipedidae of all species worldwide (i.e. mentioned in the ornithological literature; reported by museums of natural history; retrieved via the internet; stemming from own observations) were aggregated in a register. Based on the available descriptions and photos, each record was analysed individually with respect to the cause for its abnormal appearance. The study was based on the assumption that grebes’ integument colouration is almost entirely based on the two melanin colour pigments, eumelanin and phaeomelanin. Its main objective was to distinguish between genetic and non-genetic causes of aberrations and to correctly classify individuals in the first category according to the genetic mutations."

Ferrantia, Volume 67: Comparative Studies of Behaviour in Allopatric Subspecies of Grebes, Podicipedidae:

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis (Brehm 1831) and White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland (Quoy & Gaimard 1824)

André Konter

2013

From the abstract: "In the case of the Black-necked or Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis , the status of the three existing subspecies in North America, Europe and Africa is so far not subject to controversy and, in literature, minimal differences between them in coloration and size have been described. Possible behavioural deviations are however less clear as there is much cross-referencing in the description of their pair bonding displays and differences may perhaps remain masked. For the American and European subpopulations, the first study focuses largely on courtship as the pair bonding behaviour is critical to speciation. It aims at clarifying the rituals used by each subspecies and at identifying possible differences. The second species analysed is the South American White-tufted Grebe Rollandia rolland. Also here, we are in the presence of three recognized subspecies. There is however much discussion of whether the much larger nominate form from the Falkland Islands should have a separate species' status from that of the two continental forms. Due to the remote location of the Falkland Islands, it is partially a lack of knowledge about the behaviour of their subspecies in comparison to that of the other two subspecies that prevents progress in the discussion. This study presents the first rather exhaustive description of Rollandia rolland rolland from the Falkland Islands and compares its ethology, including water and platform courtship, to the knowledge published about the subspecies from the South American continent. In the following, both studies are presented as separate papers."

Population Study Of Western Grebes In Alberta 2001-2009 : Implications For Management And Status Designation

Hugh Wollis, Curtis Stratmoen

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

2010

From the executive summary: "This project was initiated in 2001 to monitor population trends and distribution of western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) in Alberta. The project began in the Stony Plain study area, and then expanded to other areas of the province where the species occurs. Surveys of known colonies and a search for other breeding sites have continued each year through 2009. Biologists searched for western grebe colonies from the northern extreme of the breeding range in northeast and northwest Alberta, through the parkland and prairies, south to the United States border. Data from previous field seasons (2001 - 2006) have been published in earlier reports in this series."

Aerial Surveys of Aggregations of Seaducks, Divers and Grebes in UK Inshore Areas Outside the Breeding Season in 2007/08

M. Lewis, L.J. Wilson, I. Sohle, B.J. Dean, A. Webb and J.B. Reid

Joint Nature Conservation Committee

2009

"During the winter and spring of 2007/08, the JNCC Seabirds at Sea Team (SAST) conducted aerial surveys of non-breeding aggregations of sea ducks Anatidae, divers Gaviidae and grebes Podicepididae, hereafter referred to as inshore waterbirds. The surveys were conducted as part of the JNCC annual winter survey programme, which aims to collect data on non-breeding numbers and distributions of these species within UK coastal areas known to be important for inshore waterbirds .... Only the aerial surveys conducted by JNCC in Scottish waters are considered in this report. This report outlines the methods used during the 2007/08 winter aerial surveys and presents the recorded numbers and distributions of the species observed in each survey area."

Surveillance of Winter Spring Aggregation of Seaducks, Divers and Grebes in UK Inshore Areas: Aerial Surveys and Shore-Based Counts 2006/07

M. Lewis, L.J. Wilson, I. Sohle, B.J. Dean, A. Webb and J.B. Reid

Joint Nature Conservation Committee

2008

"During the winter and spring of 2006/07, th e JNCC Seabirds at Sea Team (SAST) conducted aerial surveys of wintering aggregations of sea ducks Anatidae, divers Gaviidae and grebes Podicepididae, hereafter referred to as inshore waterbirds. The surveys were conducted as part of the JNCC annual winter survey programme, which aims to collect data on non-breeding numbers and distributions of these species within UK coastal areas known to be important for inshore waterbirds .... This report outlines the methods used during the 2006/07 winter and spring aerial surveys of selected Scottish inshore water areas and shore-based counts of Aberdeen Bay, and presents the recorded numbers and diurnal distributions of the species observed in each survey area."

Wintering Seaducks, Divers and Grebes in the UK Inshore Areas: Aerial Surveys and Shore Based Counts 2004/5

L.J. Wilson, B.J. Dean, A. Webb, C.A. McSorley and J.B. Reid

2006

A 106 page report summarising the results of aerial surveys of wintering aggregations of seaducks, divers and grebes undertaken by the JNCC in December 2004, February 2005 and March 2005. The aim of the surveys was to collect data on the wintering numbers and distribution of inshore waterbirds in areas of the UK known to be important for this group of species.

Western (Aechmophorus occidentalis) Grebes In Alberta: 2006 Field Summary

Cindy Kemper, Hugh Wollis, Christine Found, Dave Prescott and Mark Heckbert

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

2006

"This project was initiated in 2001 to monitor population trends and distribution of western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) in Alberta. The project began in the Stony Plain study area with the intent to expand to other areas of the province where this species occurs. Now completing its sixth season, the study has expanded to the northeast, the northwest, and to more areas within the Parkland Natural Region of the province. For the first time, data for all of the above are summarized in one document. This report deals solely with western grebes."

The Grebes

Jon Fjeldsa

Oxford University Press

2004

264 pages, numerous line illustrations, 16pp colour plates, and 31 maps

The first section of this volume includes 4 general chapters on the biology, feeding ecology, breeding behaviour, evolutionary relationships, and conservation of the birds in the family. The second section provides descriptions of each species individually, including appearance, weights, and measurements; field characters; voice; habitat and food; breeding behaviour; life cycle; and range and status (with distribution map).

The book includes 8 colour plates showing adults of all species and many juveniles, immatures and, subspecies and 116 black-and-white drawings illustrating special features and behaviour.

Grebes of the World

Malcolm Ogilvie

Bruce Coleman Books

2002

"The book starts with an authoritative introduction on the origin, evolution, distribution, physiology and behaviour of grebes, followed by accounts of each of the 22 species: Little Grebe, Least Grebe, Australasian Grebe, Madagascar Grebe, Alaotra Grebe, Pied-Billed Grebe, Atitlan Grebe, White-Tufted Grebe, Titicaca Flightless Grebe, Hoary-Headed Grebe, New Zealand Grebe, Great Grebe, Red-Necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Horned Grebe, Black-Necked Grebe, Colombian Grebe, Silvery Grebe, Junin Flightless Grebe, Hooded Grebe, Western Grebe and Clark's Grebe. For each account there are 2-3 pages of well written text, summarising salient information on distribution, population, behaviour and other aspects of the species natural history."

Also includes full page painting by Chris Rose of each species in its natural habitat. There are also two identification plates highlighting field identification features.

The Old Lady of Wasilla Lake: A Story of the Red-Necked Grebes of Wasilla Lake, Alaska

Jack Randall

2005

Grebes of Our World

Andre Konter

Lynx Edicions

2001

An account of the authors observation of and research into Grebes around the world.

Metazoan Parasite Fauna of Grebes (Aves : Podicipediformes) and Its Relationship to the Birds

R.W. Storer

2000

The Great Crested Grebe

K.E.L. Simmons

1999

This book describes the biology and behaviour of the Great Crested Grebe.

Grebes: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan

Colin O'Donnel

1997

Working Bibliography of Grebes of the World with Summaries of Current Taxonomy and of Distributional Status

J.J. Vlug & J. Fjeldsa

Grebe Expert roup of the ICBP and the International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau

1990

Biology of the Eared Grebe and Wilson's Phalarope in the Nonbreeding Season : A Study of Adaptations to Saline Lakes

Joseph R. Jehl, Jr.

Cooper Ornithological Society

1988

Contents;

• Introduction
• Eared Grebe
• Methods
• The Annual Cycle at Mono Lake
• Chronology
• Composition of the population
• Size of the Mono Lake flock
• Annual variation
• Behavior
• Distribution
• Daily movements
• Water use
• Interactions
• Food and Foraging
• Food
• Foraging behavior
• The ingestion of feathers
• Energetics
• Mass
• Molt
• Flightlessness
• Mortality
• Seasonal pattern
• Sources and extent of mortality
• Migration
• Departure from Mono Lake
• Other staging areas
• Winter range
• Migration routes
• Wilson's Phalarope
• Methods
• The Annual Cycle at Mono Lake
• Chronology
• Composition of the population
• Size of the Mono Lake flock
• Annual variation
• Behavior
• Distribution and daily movements
• Hyperphagia
• Roosts
• Use of fresh water
• Interactions
• Food and Foraging
• Food
• Foraging behavior
• Mass
• Sampling
• Molt
• Mortality
• Migration
• Departure from Mono Lake
• Concentration points
• The number of Wilson's Phalaropes
• Migration routes: a synthesis
• Flight range
• The Use of Saline Lakes
• Epilogue
• Acknowledgments
• Literature Cited
  Appendices
  
• Eared Grebe populations at Mono Lake, California, 1981-1987
• Mortality patterns of Eared Grebes at Mono Lake, California, 1982-1984, based on beached-bird surveys
• Size and age composition of Wilson's Phalarope populations at Mono Lake, California, Lake Abert, Oregon, and Great Salt Lake, Utah, 1980-1987
• Status of Wilson's Phalaropes in fall and winter migration in Middle and South America
• The fall migration of Wilson's Phalaropes: evidence from museum collections

Diving Birds of North America

Paul A. Johnsgard

1987

A comparative study that examines the anatomy, ecology, and behaviour of three groups of diving birds; 4 loons, 6 grebes, and 21 auks, of North America. The species accounts are accompanied by 32 colour plates, 28 maps and other drawings and illustrations. Appendices include identification keys, head profile drawings of all species, lists of major auk colonies in North America, and lists of the status of grebes at major US refuges. An extensive bibliography is also included.

Ecology and Management of the Atitlan Grebe, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Anne Labastille

Wildlife Society

1974

A 66 page monograph.

Courtship Habits of the The Great Crested Grebe

Julian Huxley

1968

Haunts of British Divers

Niall Rankin

1947

A study of the breeding places and habits of three British species; the Great Crested Grebe, the Black-throated Diver and the Red-throated Diver. Includes 82 black and white photographs, 11 pen and ink drawings and colour frontispiece by Margaret Myddleton.

Food And Economic Relations Of North American Grebes

Alexander Wetmore

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

1924

Opening lines: "A knowledge of the feeding habits and general economic status of the species of grebes inhabiting the different sections of the United States is of importance in connection with the relations of these birds to the supply of food fishes. Living in ponds, lakes, and water courses, grebes have at times been suspected of being seriously detrimental to the continuance of certain valuable fishes. That this suspicion is without actual foundation in fact has been ascertained in the investigations reported upon in this bulletin. Six species of grebes are found in North America north of the Isthmus of Panama, all of them ranging within the limits of the United States. These birds breed in the interior, but during their migrations are found on salt water along our coasts as well as on open ponds and streams throughout the country."

Grebes

Catalogue Of The Plataleae, Herodiones, Steganopodes, Pygopodes, Alcae and Impennes In The Collection Of The British Museum

Plataleae and Herodiones: R. Bowdler Sharpe

Steganopodes, Pygopodes, Alcae, Impennes: W.R. Ogilvie-Grant

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Sold by: Longman & Co.; B. Quaritch; Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.; and at the British Museum (Natural History)

1898

From the preface:

"The present volume, though not numerically the last, has been, owing to various delays in its production, the last to appear. Its publication completes the series, as originally projected by Dr. Gunther more than twenty-five years ago. The whole work consists of twenty-seven volumes, and it may fairly claim to be one of the most important aids to the study of Systematic Ornithology which has ever been produced. The first volume appeared in June 1874. The others have followed at intervals averaging rather less than a year. The publication of the work has therefore been very nearly coincident with Dr. Gunther's administration of the Zoological Department of the Museum. It is to him that the general arrangement and supervision of the work is due, although each contributor has been allowed a considerable latitude in following his own views as to the details of classification and nomenclature."

Description of a new Species of Grebe from Central Peru

Hans, Graf von Berlepsch and Jean Stolzmann

Ibis: Volume 36, Issue 1, pages 109-112

1894

From the opening lines:

"This fine new species we have named in memory of our ever-memorable friend the late Ladislas Taczanowski, who had confounded it with P. calliparaeus, from which, however, it is quite distinct. Of P. taczunowskii we have before us thee males and three females collected by Mr. T. Kalinowski, a correspondent of the Branicki Museum, in the neighbourhood of Incapirca Jezioro, on Lake Junin, 17,700 feet above the sea level, on the 24th and 27th May, 1890. Kalinowski notes the colour of the iris as 'rouge clair,' the legs as 'olivatre plombe' on the inner and 'd'un gris brunatrea on the outer side. He has also sent two eggs of this species, which will be described in a future article."