A small waterbird species belonging to the Podicipedidae family, characterized by distinctive breeding plumage and specialized aquatic adaptations.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Freshwater and coastal marine environments across North America and Eurasia, including lakes, ponds, coastal waters, and wetland ecosystems during breeding and migration seasons.
Ecological Role
Key aquatic predator controlling populations of small fish, invertebrates, and maintaining ecosystem balance in freshwater and marine habitats.
Morphology
SKIN COATDense waterproof plumage, changes dramatically between breeding and non-breeding seasons
LIMBS WINGSLegs positioned far back on body, webbed feet for powerful propulsion underwater, relatively small wings for short-distance flight
HEAD SENSORYDistinctive breeding plumage with golden-rust colored 'horns' extending from sides of head, sharp pointed bill for catching prey
BODY STRUCTURECompact body, length 28-38 cm, weight 300-550 g, streamlined for efficient swimming and diving
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Ekaterina Chernetsova (Papchinskaya) from Saint-Petersburg, Russia
