The Red-necked Grebe breeds on freshwater lakes and ponds across the western boreal forest and prairie parklands, and winters primarily on Canada’s Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. Small numbers also winter on the Great Lakes and breed across Ontario and into southwestern Quebec (Stout and Nuechterlein 1999); the species appears to be expanding eastward (Lapointe 1996). The Red-necked Grebe is not well-monitored in Canada. However, available results suggest an increase in abundance relative to 1970, despite some regional variation. However, survey limitations mean that the reliability of this assessment is considered to be low. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
A widespread and adaptable species, able to nest in many different habitats and eat a variety of foods, the Red-necked Grebe is facing fewer conservation issues than many other water birds. However, it is susceptible to pesticides due to its position in the aquatic food chain (Stout and Nuechterlein 1999). Habitat loss from the draining of prairie potholes has threatened the species in the past; habitat degradation and disturbance from recreational activities and shoreline development are current issues (Stout and Nuechterlein 1999). Red-necked Grebes are vulnerable to marine pollution on their wintering grounds, oil spills, and mortality from entanglement in commercial fishing nets (Stout and Nuechterlein 1999).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
