Eared grebes, both male and female, are small, compact diving birds with pointed bills and bright red eyes. During breeding season, males and females exhibit similar plumage with a black head, neck, breast, and upperparts, along with chestnut flanks and a white belly. A key feature is the fan of golden feathers on the cheek, forming "ear tufts". In non-breeding plumage, their appearance is duller, with a blackish crown, back, and neck, greyish sides and flanks, and a white belly. Males are generally slightly larger than females.

Breeding Plumage:
• Head: Black with a peaked shape.
• Cheeks: Golden ear tufts are present.
• Neck, Breast, and Upperparts: Black.
• Flanks: Chestnut or cinnamon-red.
• Belly: White.
• Bill: Thin and pointed.
• Eyes: Bright red.

Non-Breeding Plumage:
• Head: Dark cap (blackish).
• Neck: Blackish on the back, greyish on the sides and front.
• Upperparts: Blackish.
• Flanks: Greyish.
• Belly: White.
• Bill: More grey than in breeding plumage.
• Eyes: Bright red.

Size and Weight
• Males are generally larger and heavier than females, especially during migration when they can more than double their weight.
• Males average 11% heavier during migration than females.
• In the non-breeding season, males average 250-600 grams.