Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus, mustakurkku-uikku) is a small colorful waterbird. Its eyes are red, black small beak has white tip during summer. The sound of Slavonian Grebe has pretty loud, rather rumbling whistle.
I met Slavonian grebe first time two years ago in Suomenoja bird paradise in Espoo. Since that I have been following Slavonian grebes life. I have hundreds of Slavonian Grebe photos and now I have decided to share my photos here in my Finnish nature -blog.
Suomenoja bird paradise in Espoo
Suomenoja bird paradise is known for rare waterbirds like Slavonian grebe and Pochard as well as Eurasian Coot. You can find more information of Suomenoja (in Finnish) HERE.
One reason for rear species living in Suomenoja is Black-headed Gulls which are nesting there. Their screaming and spectacular mass flights gives a sign of impending danger to other birds. First arrives gulls and soon after other species.
Exotic colorful Slavonian Grebe near threatened
Finland is home to about 48% of the EU’s total breeding Slavonian Grebe population. The species’ total numbers in Europe (including countries outside the EU) have been estimated at between 6,000 and 11,000. European red list status is near threatened, globally vulnerable.
Now a question to my readers: Is Slavonian Grebe breeding in your country? Have you met this beautiful waterbird in real life?
Minna in Finnish Nature 😊
FINNISH NATURE photos 
So pretty. In England there is a wetland at a place called Slimbridge on the Severn estuary. It is one of my favourite places in the world: wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge. I haven’t been there for a very long time, but shall never forget it.
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Thank you sharing this information, I appreciate it!
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Läckra närbilder, ögonen är nästan osannolikt färgade. Vi har inga häckande Svarthakedoppingar här i Bohuslän på västkusten, men de syns årligen under flyttningen och övervintrar tidvis ibland.
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Tack Hans! Kul och lära svenskt namn för mustakurkku-uikku = Svarthakedopping 🙂
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Very colourful bird. I have never seen it that I can remember. It’s known as the Horned Grebe here in Canada and lives mostly on the prairies. It’s endangered here, as well. https://naturecanada.ca/discover-nature/endangered-species/horned-grebe/
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Horned Grebe is also used in Europe besides Slavonian Grebe. It is sad that this little bird is endangered also in Canada 😦 Let´s hope it will survive.
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And thank you for sharing the link!
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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A beautiful bird! I’ve never seen this bird anywhere so thank you for posting. 🙂
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Thank you Magickmermaid! It is not common here either. We are lucky though to have it breeding in Finland😊
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What a lovely bird. Nice photos, Minna.
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Thank you Steve! I fell in love with this beauty when I saw it first time 😂
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What a very pretty bird! We have a few grebes in Australia, but none look as stunning as this colourful one!
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Thank you Sue! Slavonian Grepe is so cute😊 We are lucky to have it breeding in Finland.
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Hello Minna.
It is very beautiful. I have to confess that I have not seen it. Thank you.
Happy new week!
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Hello Matti, Slavonian Grebe is really cute little waterbird. It is not so common in Finland and usually it can be found where Black-headed Gulls are nesting. Happy new week to you too!
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What a beautiful, colorful bird. I have not seen it in the US. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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This is not common bird, so no wonder that you haven’t seen it. It so small and beautiful 😊
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I don’t recall ever hearing of these Grebes before. I am impressed by it’s wonderful red hairdo!
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It is not common. I met it couple of years ago. I like its punk hair as well 😊
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Your first photo of the mating ritual is stunning, they truly look in love! Your Slavonian Grebe looks like our Horned Grebe in North America, very stylish grebes! And, yes, I’ve captured photos of ours in late Spring couple years ago, but none near the gorgeous captures of yours, Minna! Well done!
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Thank you Donna! Slavonian Grebe is also known as Horned Grebe so it is the same bird. Really nice to know that you have met it too. It is so beautiful bird.
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