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Grebes (/ ˈ ɡ r iː b z /) are aquatic diving birds in the order Podicipediformes (/ ˌ p ɒ d ɪ s ɪ ˈ p ɛ d ɪ f ɔːr m iː z /). [1] Grebes are widely distributed freshwater birds, with some species also found in marine habitats during migration and winter. Most grebes fly, although some flightless species exist, most notably in stable ...
The taxonomic treatment [3] (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) used in the accompanying bird lists adheres to the conventions of the AOS's (2019) Check-list of North American Birds, the recognized scientific authority on the taxonomy and nomenclature of North America birds.
Plunge-diving is a special form of foraging that involves a transition from air to water. [citation needed] Plunge-diving birds are notable for their beaks, necks, and morphing wings. Plunge-diving birds generally have a higher beak angle ratio than others. [5] Beak angle ratio is defined as the top angle divided by the side angle.
Common goldeneyes are diving birds that forage under water. Year-round, about 32% of their prey is crustaceans, 28% is aquatic insects and 10% is molluscs. [15] Insects are the predominant prey while nesting and crustaceans are the predominant prey during migration and winter. Locally, fish eggs and aquatic plants can be important foods.
The European Anglophone name "diver" comes from the bird's habit of catching fish by swimming calmly along the surface and then abruptly plunging into the water. The North American name "loon" likely comes from either the Old English word lumme, meaning lummox or awkward person, or the Scandinavian word lum meaning lame or clumsy. Either way ...
Gaviiformes (/ ˈ ɡ æ v i. ɪ f ɔːr m iː z /) is an order of aquatic birds containing the loons or divers and their closest extinct relatives. Modern gaviiformes are found in many parts of North America and northern Eurasia (Europe, Asia and debatably Africa), though prehistoric species were more widespread.
The American dipper, previously known as the water-ouzel, was the favorite bird of famous naturalist John Muir. He dedicated an entire chapter in his book The Mountains of California to the ouzel stating "He is the mountain streams' own darling, the humming-bird of blooming waters, loving rocky ripple-slopes and sheets of foam as a bee loves ...
The American coot's breeding habitat extends from marshes in southern Quebec to the Pacific coast of North America and as far south as northern South America. Birds from temperate North America east of the Rocky Mountains migrate to the southern United States and southern British Columbia. It is often a year-round resident where water remains ...