Timing and Location of Wing Molt in Horned, Red-necked and Western Grebes in North America

Abstract

Abstract We document timing and location of wing molt in the Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus), Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena), and Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis). Horned Grebes left breeding ponds in late May to August and were observed on large ponds and lakes (near breeding locations) where they replaced remiges before progressing to wintering areas in September and October. Red-necked Grebes moved to much larger bodies of water such as the Great Lakes and the coast following breeding and prior to molt. On the Pacific Coast, Boundary Bay, British Columbia was identified as a major molt site. Freshwater molting areas were identified around Manitoulin Island in northern Lake Huron. On the Atlantic coast, molt sites were located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Western Grebes were found in wing molt at both large freshwater lakes and coastal locations (including Boundary Bay, British Columbia). Like the Great Crested Grebe (P. cristatus) and Eared Grebe (P. nigricollis), Horned, Red-necked and...