The Eared Grebe is similar to the Horned Grebe in non-breeding plumage. The Horned Grebe has a much cleaner black and white face. As one instructor said, the "Eared Grebe has dirty ears".

Eared Grebes eat mostly insects and small crustaceans. The Eared Grebe can be found all around the Bay Area during the winter months though I usually see more Horned Grebes.