Hooded Grebe
A species of Typical Grebes Scientific name : Podiceps gallardoi Genus : Typical Grebes
Hooded Grebe, A species of Typical Grebes
Botanical name: Podiceps gallardoi
Genus: Typical Grebes
Content
Description General Info
Description
The hooded grebe (Podiceps gallardoi), is a medium-sized grebe found in the southern region of Argentina. It grows to about 32 cm (13 in) in length, and is black and white in color. It is found in isolated lakes in the most remote parts of Patagonia and spends winters along the coast of the same region. In 2012 IUCN uplisted the species from Endangered to Critically Endangered. 
Size
32 cm
Habitat
Hooded Grebe primarily inhabit volcanic upland lakes with clear water and sparse vegetation during breeding season, utilizing floating vegetation to construct their nests. These rugged, storm-prone areas often feature cliffs and lack dense reed beds. Breeding success is tied to the balance of open water for feeding and vegetation cover. Non-breeding and juvenile hooded Grebe are found in larger, shallower lakes rich in invertebrates but with less surface vegetation, easing feeding. Seasonally, some hooded Grebe migrate to Atlantic coast estuaries with extreme tidal brackish waters, exploiting abundant resources and tidal currents for feeding. Others overwinter in nearby unfrozen lakes.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
The breeding sites of this species are basaltic lakes in Santa Cruz, south-west Argentina and the wintering grounds are the río Coyle, río Gallegos and río Chico estuaries on the Atlantic coast of Santa Cruz. The species is also thought to be accidental in Magallanes, south Chile. Observations of two individuals have also been made from a lake in Laguna Blanca in October 2013.
Species Status
The hooded grebe is threatened by climate change and the introduction of trout and salmon to the Strobel plateau. Surveys made in 2006, 2009 and 2010–2011, found some lakes completely dry and with water levels 2–3 metres (6 ft 7 in–9 ft 10 in) lower than in previous years. In addition, winter snowfall has reduced without a corresponding increase in precipitation at other times of the year. Predation by kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) at some lakes, predation by the recently introduced American mink, the excessive grazing by sheep and low breeding potential have been cited as threats.
Scientific Classification
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