A striking small grebe of Patagonia that is scarce, patchily distributed, and in decline, nesting on only a handful of inland lakes. Outside the breeding season, it moves to coastal areas and lower-elevation lakes, where it is often found alongside Silvery Grebes. It can be distinguished by its bold head pattern: a dark hood set against a white forehead and a golden crown, features that stand out even at a distance. Although grebes seldom take flight, this species shows mostly white wings in flight, unlike the darker wings with a pale rear patch typical of Silvery Grebe

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