Western Grebe vs Atitlan Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalis compared with Podilymbus gigas
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Western Grebe | Atitlan Grebe |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aechmophorus occidentalis | Podilymbus gigas |
| Order | Podicipediformes | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae | Podicipedidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Extinct |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 36.9 cm (14.5 in) | — |
| Weight | 1302.5 g (45.94 oz) | 682.6666666666666 g (24.08 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-4 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Western Grebe
Atitlan Grebe
About These Birds
Western Grebe
Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) is a large 55–75 cm grebe of western North America. Elegant black and white pattern; long sinuous neck; long yellow-green bill; red eye. Inhabits large freshwater lakes; winters on coastal seas. Famous for synchronized rushing-water courtship display. Feeds mainly on fish. Wingspan to 102 cm.
Atitlan Grebe
Atitlan Grebe (Podilymbus gigas) is an extinct large flightless grebe formerly endemic to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Similar to Pied-billed Grebe but larger, with heavier bill and flightless wings. Extirpated by the 1980s due to introduced bass predating chicks, reed-bed destruction, and hunting. Last confirmed individuals died in the early 1990s.