Among the quiet backwaters and floating vegetation of Caño Negro’s wetlands swims a small yet remarkable waterbird: the Pied-billed Grebe (*Podilymbus podiceps*). Known for its secretive behavior and subtle beauty, this grebe is a year-round resident in Costa Rica and a fascinating species to observe in the wild.

Getting to Know the Pied-billed Grebe

The Pied-billed Grebe is a small, stocky diving bird with a short neck and a thick, pale bill marked by a distinctive black band—a feature that gives the species its name. Its plumage is generally brown, helping it blend easily into marshy surroundings. This grebe is an expert swimmer and diver, often submerging silently to avoid detection.

Courtship and Breeding Behavior

Breeding in tropical regions like Caño Negro can occur throughout the year, but is most commonly seen during and after the dry season when water levels begin to rise. The Pied-billed Grebe’s courtship involves synchronized swimming, vocalizations, and mutual preening.
– Nesting: They build floating nests anchored to emergent vegetation.
– Eggs: Clutches usually contain 4–7 eggs.
– Incubation: Both parents share incubation duties, lasting about 23 days.
– Chick Development: Chicks are precocial, swimming soon after hatching and often riding on their parents’ backs.
– Parental Roles: Both male and female actively feed and protect the young.