Podiceps cristatus
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Mass
~730 g
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The great crested grebe spends most of its time on the water, and its long neck and slim bill are hard to miss. In spring it looks especially striking, with dark ear tufts and a rich chestnut ruff around the head and neck, while in winter it becomes much plainer and paler.
It spends much of the day swimming and diving, and it hunts fish underwater with ease. In the breeding season it puts on elaborate water displays, and its voice carries a long way.
It lives on quiet ponds and lakes. It feeds on fish, amphibians, mollusks, and insects, and in Europe many return to breeding sites in spring while some move south for the colder months.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The great crested grebe spends most of its time on the water, and its long neck and slim bill are hard to miss. In spring it looks especially striking, with dark ear tufts and a rich chestnut ruff around the head and neck, while in winter it becomes much plainer and paler.
It spends much of the day swimming and diving, and it hunts fish underwater with ease. In the breeding season it puts on elaborate water displays, and its voice carries a long way.
It lives on quiet ponds and lakes. It feeds on fish, amphibians, mollusks, and insects, and in Europe many return to breeding sites in spring while some move south for the colder months.
