Horned Grebes are birds that migrate through my area in the early spring.

When you see Horned Grebes you can easily tell the males and females apart. Their coloration is different. At least during the spring migration.

Male Horned Grebes are darker overall, especially on their head and necks and the males have a bright swash of bright color that is the “horn” they are names for.

Female Horned Grebes are not as colorful. Their feathers are more drab. But that makes the most distinct feature of these birds stand out even more.

Both male and female Horned Grebes have bright red eyes.

Due to the lack of other color on the plumage of a female Horned Grebe the red eye stands out more and really draws attention.

Photo details: Nikon D300S. Nikon 300mm f/4. Focal length 420mm. ISO 400. 1/500 sec. f/5.6.