Manitoba Bird Bird Atlas: Species At Risk

Horned Grebe

Early Breeding and Last Migration Dates

South: Regions 1 to 8 Central: Regions 9 to 12 North: Regions 13 and 14
Early Breeding Last Migration Late Breeding Early Breeding Last Migration Late Breeding Early Breeding Last Migration Late Breeding
May-06 May-21 Sep-11 May-06 May-21 Sep-11 May-25 Jun-06 Sep-01

Breeding Evidence

Horned Grebes generally nest in freshwater and occasionally in brackish water on small permanent or semi-permanent ponds which last until autumn, but they also use marshes and shallow bays on lake borders. These water bodies are found in both open and forested areas. Breeding ponds must contain areas of open water and beds of emergent vegetation that provide nest material, concealment and anchorage, and protection for the young.

They prefer permanent potholes. Normally, only one breeding pair will occupies a breeding site.

Habitat

Breeding Evidence Map

Horned Grebes are found on and near lakes, rivers, marshes, and prairie wetlands.

They breed primarily in temperate zones on the prairies, but can also be found in more boreal and subarctic zones as far north as Churchill in the marshes near Akudlik and around Goose Creek. In Manitoba and elsewhere their numbers have been declining due to wetland drainage and possibly also from competition from the larger Red-necked Grebe, a species that appears to be increasing and expanding their range, and even the smaller but more aggressive Pied-billed Grebe that has been documented driving Horned Grebes off breeding sites.

-from COSEWIC and The Birds of Manitoba (p. 76)