BLACK-NECKED GREBE

BLACK NECKED GREBE (PODICEPS NIGRICOLLIS).

LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

Ecology

Appearance

The black-necked grebe is so called due to the black colouring of their head and neck. In summer it has golden tufts of feathers on its face that contrast with its black head and neck. However in winter it is very pale with only a slight black cap and the golden tufts are not present making it harder to identify. The males and females are of similar size with an average length of 28-34cm and a wingspan of 52-55cm. The weight of black-necked grebes can vary widely from 200-735g.

Habitat

Black-necked grebes inhabit small lochs, reservoirs, gravel marl pits and estuaries.

Food
Black-necked grebes eat insects, small fishes and crustaceans.

Life Style

Black-necked grebes are excellent swimmers and divers however they cannot walk very well and so nest on the water's edge.
Nesting occurs between June and July and usually two eggs are laid.
Young grebes are often carried on the adults back.

On cold, sunny mornings like other grebe species, the black-necked grebe sunbathes by raising its rump and facing away from the sun. This exposes dark underlying skin to the light.
The unhatched chicks communicate with the adults by using a 'care-soliciting signal.' The peeping of the embryo prompts the adult black-necked grebes to turn the eggs more, build up the nest mound, bring food to the nest and spend more time incubating the egg.

Current Status

A rare breeding species in the UK, the national population fluctuates between 20 and 40 pairs annually. The region was colonised in the early 1980s and Cheshire and neighbouring Greater Manchester now holds up to 20% of the UK breeding population.

Various natural meres and shallow, man made water bodies, characterised by substantial areas of emergent and floating vegetation, have the potential to be colonised by breeding black-necked grebes in the future. The wintering grounds of the northwest England breeding population are currently unknown. Currently breeding at two sites. Popn. stable at 1-2pairs at first site, and increasing at second site with c25 pairs.

The colony at Woolston Eyes continues to grow in size and is now the largest breeding colony in the UK. There has been a record breeding count in 2001, 36 adults in May and probably 20 pairs nested raising over 20 young. In both 1998 and 1999 breeding was restricted to 2 sites but the population increased markedly from 17 birds in 1997 to 29/30 in 1998 and over 30 in 1999. Breeding was confirmed in 1999 at two sites and 32 adults summered. A minimum of 9-10 birds are thought to have bred, fledging 15 young. This puts productivity at 1.5-1.66 young/pair.

Black-necked grebes are afforded special protection at all times under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. 2 of the current breeding sites are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Threats

* Draining of natural wetlands.
* Lack of positive management. Many of the region's man made wetlands are often ephemeral in nature. Unless managed, open water and emergent aquatic communities dry out through natural succession and develop into damp, willow scrub.
* Loss of man made wetlands to developmental pressures, i.e. landfill, new housing.
* Sensitivity to disturbance in the breeding season. The increase in recreational activities such as angling and sailing has reduced the numbers of sites suitable for this species.
* Low breeding success at certain sites requires further study.
* Restriction to a few isolated sites leaves the population vulnerable to chance events.
* Predation.
* The long-term future of the Number 3 deposit bed at Woolston Eyes is still uncertain and could be threatened by new pumping of canal sewage.
* Potential long term loss of main site due to operational nature of site.
* Need for replacement habitat
* Industrial development of Shell Pool
* Sludge pumping at Woolston Eyes
* Predation by unknown predators

How are we helping to conserve the Black-necked Grebe in the Cheshire region?

* A North West England Black-necked Grebe study group has been monitoring the species for a number of years.
* Site occupancy, population levels and breeding success are recorded in an annual monitoring report.
* Liaison with other black-necked grebe monitoring groups elsewhere in the UK.
* RSPB undertaking national study of preferred habitat requirements.

Objectives, Targets and Actions

The objectives, targets and actions to help conserve the Black-necked Grebe in the Cheshire region can be found on the Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS) along with full details of our progress so far.

How to find out more about Black-necked Grebes

Visit the RSPB website - www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/b/blackneckedgrebe/index.asp

Contact details
LBAP Chair Anna Sugrue, RSPB Conservation Support Officer
North West England Black-necked Grebe Study Group

References & Glossary
Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society (1978): Cheshire & Wirral Bird Reports.
Guest, J. P., Elphick, D., Hunter, J. S. A. & Norman, D. (1992): The Breeding Bird Atlas of Cheshire and Wirral. Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1: Meeting the Rio Challenge, London.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2:Action Plans, London.
Perkins, A. (1996): Cheshire and Wirral Bird Audit, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, unpublished.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds et al (1996): Birds of Conservation Concern in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
North West England Black-necked Grebe Study Group Monitoring Report 2000, RSPB.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Eared_Grebe.html