Podilymbus podiceps, commonly known as the Pied-billed Grebe, is native to the Americas. Its geographical distribution extends across North, Central, and South America. In North America, it is found from southern Canada throughout the United States and into Mexico. Its range extends through Central America, including countries like Guatemala and Costa Rica, and into South America, reaching as far as Argentina and Chile.

The Pied-billed Grebe typically inhabits freshwater wetlands, including ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers with dense aquatic vegetation. It prefers shallow waters that provide ample cover and foraging opportunities. The species is adaptable to a range of environmental conditions, thriving in temperate and tropical regions.

The Pied-billed Grebe occupies an ecological niche as a piscivore and insectivore, feeding on a diverse diet that includes small fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and other invertebrates. Its presence plays a significant role in controlling the populations of these species, maintaining the ecological balance within its wetland habitats. The species is known for its diving ability, which it uses to catch prey and avoid predators.