The Great Grebe, Podiceps major, is the largest species of grebe on earth. A disjunct population exists in northwestern Peru, while the main distribution is from extreme southeastern Brazil to Pantagonia and central Chile. This species occurs mainly in open waterways. Most birds are seen on low altitude lakes and estuarine marshes.
This is a very large grebe, with proportions more like a goose than a typical grebe. They range in length 26-32 inches. They are buffy-rufous on the neck and chest, blackish on the back and have a whitish belly. The head is sooty gray with a reddish brown eye. Due to its size and unique coloration, the Great Grebe is unlikely to be confused with any other bird, including other grebes. These photos were taken at Los Pantanos de Villa in Lima, Peru.