Great Crested Grebe Facts | Podiceps Cristatus

How to identify

The Great Crested Grebe is a delightful, elegant waterbird with decorative head plumes. It was once hunted for these fancy feathers, almost causing the UK population to be wiped out. Great Crested Grebes 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 mating display which sees them rise out of the water and shake their heads. Very young Grebes often ride on their parents' backs.