AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Podilymbus podiceps
Pied-billed Grebe
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, stocky waterbird with a short, thick bill, blocky head, and drab brown plumage. During the breeding season, its silvery-white bill develops a prominent black vertical band, and its throat turns black.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Podicipediformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Podicipedidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Podilymbus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits sluggish rivers, freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes with dense emergent vegetation like reeds and cattails, occasionally moving to brackish estuaries during winter.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
An elusive, solitary waterbird that spends almost its entire life floating or diving. It is a poor flier and rarely takes flight, preferring to dive or hide in thick reeds to escape danger. Its vocalizations include a loud, barking series of cuckoo-like notes.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Primarily solitary or found in monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Extremely territorial when nesting, aggressively driving away conspecifics and other waterfowl from their nesting zones.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Aquatic diving invertivore and piscivore / omnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
An opportunistic predator feeding on aquatic insects, crayfish, small crabs, fish, frogs, and tadpoles, along with minimal aquatic plant matter. It is preyed upon by snapping turtles, alligators, large birds of prey, and large predatory fish.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Constructs a floating platform nest made of decaying aquatic vegetation anchored to emergent reeds. Both parents incubate the eggs; upon hatching, the precocial chicks are frequently carried on the parents' backs while swimming.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 38.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
250 g - 570 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 10
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
23 - 27
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 10 Years
Females5 - 10 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses lobed toes rather than webbed feet, placed far back on the body, providing exceptional propulsion and agility when diving and swimming underwater.
Can compress its plumage to trap or release air, allowing it to adjust its buoyancy and silently sink beneath the water's surface like a submarine when threatened.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by the drainage and destruction of wetlands, accumulation of chemical pollutants and heavy metals in water systems, and accidental ingestion of lead fishing sinkers.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Regularly consumes large quantities of its own feathers and feeds them to its chicks. The feathers form a dense plug in the stomach that filters out sharp fish bones and crustacean shells, preventing internal injury.