Horned Grebe

A head with clearly separated black and white.

Scientific name	Podiceps auritus
English name	Horned Grebe
Japanese name	耳鳰
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Podicipediformes Podicipedidae
Full length	about 30cm
Distribution	Breeds in the high latitudes of Eurasia and North America, and migrates to the coastal areas of Japan as a winter bird.

Characteristics

A grebe with a distinctive red iris. It is brown overall, and in winter plumage it is white from the cheeks to the throat, and the back is pale. It has white feathers on its wings, which is the origin of its Japanese name. The beak is pointed and looks slightly curved.

Ecology

It visits coasts and rivers as a winter bird. Like grebes, they prey on underwater creatures while diving. During the breeding season, they build floating nests and raise their young.

Habitat

I found him alone at Arakawa Saiko Park. It was predating repeatedly. Compared to the great crested grebe in the same place, I felt that its range of motion was narrower.