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.

Call

Great Crested Grebe

Marco Dragonetti / xeno-canto

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Where best to see them

Key facts