Summer plumage. Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on March 23rd 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f8. Click image for larger version)
Winter plumage. Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on October 8th 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/500th sec at f11. Click image for larger version)
Juvenile. Taken at Radley Lakes, Oxon., on June 28th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/800th sec at f/11. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 46 - 51 cm; WS: 59 - 73 cm

An elegant waterbird with ornate head plumes, which almost caused its extinction in the UK due to over-hunting. Fortunately the population has now recovered. In winter the plumes are lost, the neck becomes white and a dark cap does not extend to the eye.

It is found over most of the British Isles, but is absent from northern Scotland and parts of Ireland.

Its usual habitats are lowland lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and rivers. Nests are made from reed stems.

Great Crested Grebes dive to feed (mainly on fish), and also to escape, preferring this to flying. They have an elaborate courtship display in which they rise out of the water and shake their plumes.

This species is not threatened or rare in the UK.

Sightings