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Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus
Size: 45-51cm
UK Status: scarce resident breader / fairly common winter visitor | Largest and commonest British Grebe. Breeding plumage distinctive, with orange and black tippets and black horn-like tufts which are raised in courtship display. In winter crest and tippets disappear leaving mainly white face, throat and belly, retaining dark back and cap. Long pale pink bill. Juveniles generally white with black stripes which gradually recede to adult plumage. Resident breeder in Britain and western Europe, Summer visitor to east. Breeds in vegetated water areas, such as lakes and rivers, winters in wider areas of water, including off-shore and estuaries. | |
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