Moult Patterns and Moult Migration in the Black-Necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

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Abstract
In late summer, hundreds of thousands of Black-necked (Eared) Grebes Podiceps nigricollis assemble on Mono Lake, California [USA], where they undergo their annual (Prebasic) moult. Here, both adults and subadults have a complete moult in contrast to the juveniles which replace all but the remiges. This compressed, intense moult is believed to be an adaptation for exploiting the superabundant food source (brine shrimp, Artemia sp.) that is available in summer and autumn. No other grebe species is known to have so impressive a moult migration. Compared with moult migrations of anatids, this migration is unusual in that members of both sexes and all age groups are involved, and large, hypersaline/alkaline lakes are used.

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