Key information
The great crested grebe is a 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.
What they eat:
Mainly fish.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 46-51cm
- Wingspan:
- 85-90cm
- Weight:
- 590-1,500g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 4,600 pairs
- UK wintering:
- 19,000 individuals
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Great crested grebe (summer plumage)
Great crested grebe (winter plumage)
