About Black-necked Grebe Danube Delta
The black-necked grebe (Podicepsnigricollis) is a small sized aquatic species. It resembles a black peewee floating on the water. It is a migratory bird which comes in the Danube's Delta in March and it leaves in October. During mild winters it winters near the Black Sea.
Its plumage is mainly black on the bird's dorsal side, brown on its flanks and bright white on its abdomen. During pairing season, on its lateral sides of its head, appear two yellowish-orange tufts.
The black-necked grebe lives in brackish waters, where it is able to find food, mainly worms, larvae and small fish.
This species builds its nest near other colonial birds in order to assure its safety. The nest is made out of aquatic plants. A pair of birds lays 4 eggs during per mating season. When the parents leave the nest, they cover the eggs with wet plants. The first two chicks to hatch are sought after by their father and the following two by their mother.
The black-necked grebe is a good diver and a good swimmer. It is able to swim under water significant distances.
This species is protected by hunting laws and a series of international conventions.