EARED GREBE Meaning and
Definition
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The Eared Grebe, also known by its scientific name Podiceps nigricollis, is a medium-sized waterbird belonging to the family of grebes (Podicipedidae). It is primarily found in freshwater lakes, marshes, and ponds throughout North America, as well as parts of South America. Named for the distinctive tufts of feathers that extend from behind its eyes resembling "ears," the Eared Grebe measures about 30 to 40 centimeters in length and possesses a wingspan of approximately 58 to 70 centimeters.
The Eared Grebe is characterized by its blackish neck and upperparts, contrasting whitish undersides, and bright red eyes. During the breeding season, its plumage undergoes a transformation, with its neck and head turning a chestnut color. Its bill is narrow and pointed, enabling it to capture aquatic prey efficiently. This species is an adept swimmer and diver, often spending a significant amount of time in the water hunting for small fish, insects, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates.
Breeding colonies of Eared Grebes can be observed during the spring and summer months, where they construct platform-like nests made of aquatic vegetation in shallow water close to the shore. They usually lay a clutch of around 4 to 7 eggs, which are incubated by both the male and female for about three weeks. After hatching, the young grebes are capable of swimming almost immediately, but still rely on their parents for food and protection.
Although the Eared Grebe population is generally stable, threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance to breeding sites can impact their numbers. Conservation efforts are implemented to protect their nesting areas and preserve their habitats for future generations.
Common Misspellings for EARED GREBE
- wared grebe
- sared grebe
- dared grebe
- rared grebe
- 4ared grebe
- 3ared grebe
- ezred grebe
- esred grebe
- ewred grebe
- eqred grebe
- eaeed grebe
- eaded grebe
- eafed grebe
- eated grebe
- ea5ed grebe
- ea4ed grebe
- earwd grebe
- earsd grebe
- eardd grebe
Etymology of EARED GREBE
The word "eared grebe" has a fairly simple etymology. It is derived from a combination of the adjective "eared" and the noun "grebe".
The adjective "eared" refers to the distinctive golden tufts of feathers behind the eyes of this particular species of grebe. These tufts resemble ears or horns and are the defining characteristic of the bird.
The noun "grebe" refers to the type of bird itself. Grebes are aquatic birds belonging to the family Podicipedidae. They are known for their small size, diving ability, and unique adaptations for swimming. The word "grebe" comes from the Middle English word "grebe" or "grebit", which originated from Old Norse "gréf" meaning "digger" or "burrower". This likely refers to their habit of building floating nests on water.
Similar spelling word for EARED GREBE
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