Podiceps cristatus
The Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a strikingly elegant waterbird, renowned for its elaborate courtship rituals and distinctive appearance. Averaging 46-51 cm (18-20 in) in length with a wingspan of 59-73 cm (23-29 in) and weighing 800-1400 g (1.8-3.1 lbs), it is the largest grebe species found in the Old World. Its breeding plumage features a slender white neck, black crown with two prominent erectile crests, and a rufous-black facial ruff or 'tippet' framing its piercing red ey...
Great Crested Grebes primarily inhabit large, open freshwater bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers, particularly those with ample marginal vegetation for nesting. They generally prefer low to moderate elevations but can be found on high-altitude lakes in some parts of their ra...
Their diet consists primarily of small to medium-sized fish, which they catch by pursuit diving. They also consume aquatic invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans, especially during the breeding season.
Great Crested Grebes are diurnal, spending most of their time on the water, often diving to forage or escape perceived threats. They are pursuit divers, using their powerful, lobed feet to propel themselves underwater to catch fish. During the breeding season, they become highly territorial, with...
The Great Crested Grebe has an extensive and widespread range across much of the Old World, encompassing Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. Its breeding range spans temperate Europe, extending east across temperate Asia to parts of China and Russia. Northern populations are migratory, moving ...
Least Concern
- The Great Crested Grebe's 'Discovery Ceremony' courtship display is considered one of the most complex and beautiful in the avian world, involving synchronized head-shaking, diving, and weed presentation. - Young grebe chicks often ride on their parents' backs, even underwater during dives, for...