Distribution and Habitat
They are most commonly found throughout North America, Central America and South America year round. During the summer breeding season, they are most prevalent in central, northern and northeastern Canada. If they live in an area where the water freezes in the winter they will migrate. Migrating birds generally meet with year round birds in September and October. They migrate at night. Most migratory birds leave in March or April. They make occasional appearances in Europe and Hawaii. In the United Kingdom, Pied-billed Grebe visits have numbered 37 sightings as of 2007, appearing generally in October to January. One bird in England bred with a Little Grebe, producing hybrid young. It is the only grebe on record to have visited the Galapagos Islands.
Pied-billed Grebes are found in freshwater wetlands with emergent vegetation, such as cattails. They are occasionally found in salt water. When breeding they are found in emergent vegetation near open water, and in the winter they are primarily found in open water due to the lack of nests to maintain. They may live near rivers, but prefer still water. They may be found in higher elevations when migrating. They will breed in restored and man-made wetlands.
Pied-billed Grebes live approximately 10–12 years.
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