One Second in Nature is a mirrored image again in time to a second of discovery as I explored the pure settings round me. Via the sharing of this second, is my hope that readers will grow to be motivated to be taught extra about the environment and its inhabitants, and grow to be passionate advocates for conservation. One Second in Nature is a Reflections of the Pure World Weblog Publish Collection by Jim Achieve
THE EARED GREBE MOMENT – Virtually cosmopolitan in distribution, the Eared Grebe (Black-necked Grebe in Europe) is essentially the most widespread grebe on this planet. Birders in California’s Central Valley acknowledge it as one of many wintering waterbirds which can be generally encountered in lakes and enormous ponds between October and April. Throughout this timeframe the Eared Grebe encompasses a moderately drab darkish grey and white plumage. Nevertheless, on at the present time in late Could, this specific Eared Grebe was sporting its dashing breeding plumage with sensible golden ear tufts. The jet black head feathers, glowing pink eyes and brilliant yellow ear plumage was nothing in need of spectacular.
WHAT’S IN A NAME – The generic identify, Podiceps, comes from two Latin phrases: podicis, that means ‘vent’ or ‘anus’, and pes that means ‘foot’. It is a reference to the attachment level of the chook’s legs on the excessive again finish of its physique. The precise epithet nigricollis is Latin for ‘black-necked’: niger means ‘black’ and collis means ‘neck’.
NAME GAME GONE WRONG – “Black-necked grebe” has been designated the official identify by the Worldwide Ornithological Committee (IOC). Each widespread names for this species (Black-necked and Eared) confer with options seen when the chook is in its breeding plumage; in such plumage, it has an all-black neck and a sprig of golden plumes on either side of its head. The identify “eared grebe” is sort of a century older than the identify “black-necked grebe”. The latter was first utilized in 1912 by Ernst Hartert, in an effort to carry the widespread identify of the species in keeping with its scientific identify, and/or to keep away from the lengthy historical past of confusion between the vernacular identify “eared” with the scientific identify of the horned grebe Podiceps auritus (auritus, Latin, ‘eared’). The identify “eared grebe” continues to be utilized in North America to confer with this chook.
DISTRIBUTION AND STATUS IN CALIFORNIA’S CENTRAL VALLEY – The Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) happens extensively throughout California’s Central Valley in the course of the winter months, favoring shallow wetlands, flooded fields, and managed ponds the place it gathers in giant flocks. It’s typically widespread and conspicuous throughout migration and winter, diving for aquatic invertebrates and sometimes associating with different waterbirds. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad North American vary and a secure inhabitants, although wetland loss and water administration practices might affect native abundance. Pure historical past observations spotlight its placing pink eyes, elaborate breeding plumage seen exterior the valley, and extremely synchronized migratory actions tied to ephemeral aquatic habitats.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION – The Eared Grebe is a small, elegant waterbird with a slender neck, sharp invoice, and placing pink eyes; in breeding plumage, it shows golden ear tufts, a black head and again, and chestnut flanks. Outdoors the breeding season, its plumage turns into extra subdued, with grayish tones and a whitish face.
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