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Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus

Not yet photographed by the community

Elegant waterbird with spectacular head plumes in summer.

Species Profile

Green List (UK Birds of Conservation Concern)

Lifespan: 15–20 years in the wild
Size & Weight: 46–51 cm, wingspan 59–80 cm; 900–1,500 g
Habitat: Freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits with reed beds and open water for diving and courtship displays.
UK Distribution: Found throughout the UK on suitable water bodies; resident year-round with numbers boosted by continental migrants in winter.
Diet: Primarily small fish such as sticklebacks, perch, and roach; also takes aquatic insects and crustaceans.
Prey: Small freshwater fish (sticklebacks, perch, roach, trout fry), aquatic insects, and water beetles
Predators: Pike (in water), foxes, mink, and corvids (crows, ravens) targeting eggs and young; gulls may take chicks.
Mating Season: March to June
Breeding: Clutch of 3–4 eggs; incubation period 28–29 days; usually one brood per season; chicks are semi-precocial and ride on parents' backs.
Behaviour: Highly aquatic and rarely venture on land; famous for elaborate courtship displays involving synchronised head-shaking, breast-to-breast posturing, and weed-presenting duets. Highly territorial during breeding season and gregarious in winter, forming flocks on larger water bodies.

Did You Know?

•Their scientific name Podiceps means 'rump-footed' because their legs are positioned far back on their bodies, making them excellent divers but awkward on land
•Historically hunted to near extinction in Britain during the 19th century for their silky breast feathers, which were used to make fur coats and hats
•Great Crested Grebes perform one of nature's most elaborate courtship displays, which earned them the informal nickname 'the ballet dancers of the lake'
•They are excellent divers, reaching depths of 20 metres and can remain underwater for up to 30 seconds while hunting
•In winter, they acquire less distinctive plumage; the ornate head crests and ear tufts used in courtship displays are moulted, making them appear quite plain

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