The bill is duller than in the breeding plumage. The diet of Podiceps auritus consists mainly of insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Leeches, tadpoles, salamanders, and some plant material may also be consumed on occasion. While on the wintering grounds, mollusks may be consumed. Reproduction Like other grebes, P. auritus displays complex courtship rituals.
Courtship displays involve posturing by both the male and the female.
They rise up on the water to a vertical position, head feathers raised fully. Together they dive and both come up with bits of weeds carried in the bill. The nest site is located in shallow water among marsh growth. The nest is built by both sexes and consists of floating mass of wet plant material with an indentation in the centre to lay the eggs. Three to seven whitish to buff eggs may be layed.