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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin namePodiceps cristatus FamilyGrebes (Podicipedidae) OverviewA delightfully elegant waterbird with ornate head plumes which led to its being hunted for its feathers, almost leading to its extermination from the UK. They dive to feed and also to escape, preferring this to flying. On land they are clumsy because their feet are placed so far back on their bodies. They have an elaborate courtship display in which they rise out of the water and shake their heads. Very young grebes often ride on their parents' backs. Where to see themLowland lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and rivers. Also found along coasts in winter. When to see themAll year round What they eatMainly fish Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Summer  Winter Similar birdsHelp the Great crested grebeThe RSPB is working for a better environment for birds and people. Join today and add your voice. |
View across the pool and reedbed at the RSPB Lakenheath Fen nature reserve - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2001_2928_009)
Great crested grebe with fish - Nigel Blake
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)