Pied-billed Grebe

A small diving bird with a chicken-lke bill, the Pied-billed Grebe is common on lakes and ponds across North America. It is rarely seen flying and prefers to sink out of sight when danger threatens. Pied-billed Grebes are small, stocky, and short-necked. They are 31–38 centimeters (12–15 in) in length, with a wingspan of 45–62 cm (18–24 in). They have a short, blunt chicken-like bill that is a light grey color, which in summer is encircled by a broad black band (hence the name).