On 10 April 2016, I observed a Pied-billed Grebe engage in a terrestrial foraging bout to capture a large earthworm. All members of the grebe order (Podicipediformes) are aquatic foraging species with lobate toes on feet positioned towards the posterior portion of the body. Grebes are accomplished divers and typically consume prey captured underwater. There had been no recorded instances of any grebe foraging on land prior to this observational account.
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1 June 2017
Novel Terrestrial Foraging Behavior in the Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
Loren Merrill
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The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Vol. 129 • No. 2
June 2017
Vol. 129 • No. 2
June 2017
aquatic
Behavioral flexibility
earthworm
opportunistic foraging
Podicipediformes