***Federal - MBTA***

    Grebes are water birds, similar to ducks, but are very different.  Among other things Grebes have lobed, rather than webbed, feet that help propel them through the water as they dive for their prey.  When alarmed they often sink slowly out of sight resurfacing at a more secure location.  Pied-billed Grebes are the only one of New York's species that breeds in the state.  They are an uncommon breeder, but can be found on some of the larger wetlands where their prescence can be ascertained by their loud clucking sounds.  Pied-billed Grebes eat mostly fish but also take crustaceans and other aquatic animals.  They prefer areas with abundant vegetation that they can find their prey and make their floating nest.  They are most often seen in winter and migration.  There are two other common grebes in New York State.  The Horned Grebe and the Red-necked Grebe are commonly seen during migration and during the winter on open water.  Horned Grebes are the more abundant of the two.