Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus
Habitat
Aquatic
Diet
VertFishScav
Active Time
Diurnal
Size
731 g
About This Species
This elegant waterbird is known for its ornate head plumes and elaborate mutual courtship displays, including synchronized head-shaking and a weed-passing ceremony performed by pairs on open water. It dives for fish on lakes, reservoirs, and slow rivers, and builds a floating nest anchored to waterside vegetation. Spring is the best time to witness courtship displays, though the species can be seen on suitable open water throughout much of the year.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Viewing from a shoreline path or hide at a distance that does not cause diving birds to swim away is sufficient for good views, since this species is generally tolerant of quiet observers who do not approach directly.
- Nesting birds and their nests are protected under wildlife law in the UK and much of Europe, and deliberate disturbance near an active nest can be an offence.
- Keeping dogs leashed and away from waterside vegetation during the breeding season helps protect nests from disturbance and predation.
LCAvesPodicipediformesPodicipedidae
Seasonal Activity
3,299,294 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Podicipediformes
- Family
- Podicipedidae
Traits
- Diet
- VertFishScav
- Foraging
- Aquatic
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Body mass
- 731 g
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.