Hooded Grebe

The gold crest grebe ( Podiceps gallardoi ) is a species of bird in the family of grebes ( Podicipedidae ), which occurs only in southern South America, in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz ( Patagonia).

Features

Achieve gold crown diver grown a size of about 32 inches and weigh about 500 grams. There are so midsize grebes that have a black and white plumage. The name derives from is their cinnamon and black - colored hood. Characteristic of it is also the small pointed beak.

Way of life

Gold crown divers live in isolated lakes at altitudes from 500 to 1200 meters. They feed primarily on small invertebrates, especially of mud snails of the genus Lymnaea and amphipods. The food is mainly sought between the clumps of milfoil ( Myriophyllum ). The birds can stay under water for 16 seconds.

The population inventory is very low; The species was first scientifically described in 1974.

Like many other grebes - for example, grebes and divers reindeer - also have the gold crown divers a distinctive and striking courtship behavior. The males and females look at each other and thereby move the heads violently up and down.