These small grebes dive down into the water to forage for food and can spend  several minutes under water. When they suspect danger is around they will dive with only their head showing above water. It has a short, blunt chicken-like bill, which in summer is encircled by a broad black band (hence the name). It is found on many open waters, such as remote ponds, marshes, and sluggish streams. It is usually the first grebe to arrive on northern inland waters in springtime, and the last to leave in autumn.

Photo location.