Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) Japan

Verfasst von Markus
A black-necked grebe with red eye swims alone on gently rippled water surface

Black-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) non-breeding in Boso / Japan.

Black-necked Grebe – A Jewel of the Winter Waters

The Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) is a striking winter visitor to Japan. With its ruby-red eyes and golden head tufts, it is a small but elegant diving bird.

Shortlist

  • Compact diving bird with striking red eyes

  • Golden ear tufts in breeding plumage

  • Silent and efficient underwater hunter

  • Winter visitor in Japan

  • Globally stable population, locally sensitive to disturbance

  • Scientific Name: Podiceps nigricollis

  • German Name: Schwarzhalstaucher

  • English Name: Black-necked Grebe

  • Size: 28–34 cm

  • Weight: 250–450 g

  • Color (breeding): Black with chestnut flanks, golden head tufts

  • Color (non-breeding): Dark grey back, white underside

  • Eyes: Bright red

  • Bill: Short, straight, black

  • Diet: Aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans

  • Breeding: Not in Japan – nests in Mongolia, Russia, etc.

  • Season: October to April (winter visitor)

  • Habitat: Quiet lakes, lagoons, sheltered coastal waters

  • Migration: Long-distance migrant

  • Conservation Status: Not threatened, but disturbance-sensitive

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Black-necked Grebe is a master of discretion. Small, round, and silent, it glides through Japan’s winter waters like a living shadow. But catch it in spring plumage, and it’s a marvel: jet black feathers, ruby-red eyes, and golden tufts that shimmer like sunlight.

Appearance – From Jewel to Camouflage

This grebe wears two very different outfits depending on the season.

Breeding Plumage (Spring/Summer):

  • Head, neck, and back deep black
  • Golden, fan-like feather tufts behind the eyes
  • Chestnut flanks, white belly
  • Bright red eyes
  • Short, straight, black bill

Non-breeding Plumage (Autumn/Winter):

  • Grey back, white belly
  • Blackish face, no tufts
  • Red eyes remain but are less striking

One moment a royal showpiece, the next a master of disguise.

Habitat – Still Waters for Silent Divers

In Japan, the Black-necked Grebe is a winter visitor and migrant.

Preferred habitats:

  • Quiet lakes and ponds
  • Lagoons and slow-moving rivers
  • Sheltered coastal waters
  • Needs: clean, nutrient-rich water with good visibility

It avoids crowded or disturbed areas, seeking tranquil places to dive.

Diet – Precision Underwater Hunter

A true diver, the Black-necked Grebe hunts silently below the surface.

Main diet:

  • Aquatic insects and larvae
  • Small fish
  • Tiny crustaceans

Hunting technique:

  • Rapid, short dives using strong leg strokes
  • Often seen diving in small groups
  • Rarely rests at the surface – it’s almost always on the move underwater

Breeding – Floating Nests in the North

The Black-necked Grebe does not breed in Japan.

Breeding areas include:

  • Russia
  • Mongolia
  • Parts of Europe and North America

Breeding behaviour:

  • Nest: floating platform of vegetation in thick reeds
  • 3–5 eggs per clutch
  • Both parents care for the chicks
  • Young ride on the backs of their parents after hatching

Migration – Traveller Between Worlds

A long-distance migrant, the Black-necked Grebe arrives in Japan twice a year:

  • Autumn passage: October–November
  • Spring return: March–April
  • Winter stay: until March on inland waters

Its migration route links northern Eurasia to temperate regions like Japan.

Conservation and Occurrence

In Japan:

  • Not endangered, but locally uncommon
  • Sensitive to water pollution and human disturbance

Globally:

  • Stable populations
  • Threats include habitat degradation, water pollution, and tourism pressure

Observation Tips in Japan

You’ll find the Black-necked Grebe in:

  • Urban ponds in parks (e.g. Kyūshū, Kansai)
  • Coastal lagoons
  • Quiet reservoirs

Look for a small, round bird with frequent dives and unmistakable red eyes.

FAQ – Top 5 Questions

1. When is the best time to see the Black-necked Grebe in Japan?
From October to April, especially mid-winter.

2. Where can I find it?
In calm, nutrient-rich waters – lakes, ponds, and coastal lagoons.

3. What does it eat?
Mainly aquatic insects, small fish, and crustaceans.

4. Why does it change appearance?
Its breeding plumage is for display; winter plumage helps it stay camouflaged.

5. Is the species at risk?
Not globally, but it is sensitive to disturbances and habitat loss.

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Markus

🇩🇪 Wer schreibt hier:

Servus zusammen,

mein Name ist Markus und seit 2014 widme ich mich der Video- & Fotografie von Naturmotiven. Diese Leidenschaft begann während meiner zahlreichen Reisen durch Japan - von Hokkaido im Norden bis hinunter nach Okinawa im Süden. Diese Erfahrungen haben mich wieder stärker mit der Natur verbunden und auch die WildeNatur vor meiner eigenen Haustür entdecken lassen.

🇺🇸 Who is writing here:
Hello everyone,
My name is Markus, and I've been passionate about video and photography of nature scenes since 2014. This passion started during my many trips across Japan—from the northern reaches of Hokkaido all the way down to Okinawa in the south. These journeys have helped me reconnect with nature and also explore the wild beauty right outside my own front door.

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