The eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), known in Europe as the black-necked grebe, has ears which are, in fact, ochre-coloured plumage which extends behind its eye and over its ear coverts. The most abundant grebe in the world, it is also notable for its bright red eye. In the autumn, almost the entire population of American Eared Grebes flies to Mono Lake, California, or Great Salt Lake, Utah, to fatten up on brine shrimp and alkali flies before migrating farther south.