Red-necked Grebes inhabit large lakes and ponds within a forested landscape. They require deep water for foraging and marshy, emergent vegetation for nesting.
Limiting factors
Red-necked Grebes persist as a small, isolated breeding population in Oregon. They are susceptible to pesticide impacts on reproduction. They need high water quality with diverse invertebrate and fish prey.
Data gaps
Survey data are only periodic and incomplete. Determine the potential impacts of recreational boating on breeding success. Assess cumulative effects of pesticides and heavy metals on this species. Monitor the effects of deteriorating water quality due to agricultural run-off, drought, and pollution.
Conservation actions
Maintain and enhance marshy vegetation at occupied site(s). Minimize disturbance at breeding and roosting locations. This species readily uses artificial wetlands. Artificial nest platforms have been used successfully on Lake Ontario.
