Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Crested Grebe is the biggest European grebe species. It reaches up to the length of 46‒51 cm and wingspan of 59‒73 cm. Its long and dagger-shaped bill is used to harpoon little fish under the water. As in other grebes, the feet are fringed and shifted to the caudal part of the body to move better under the water. Due to this adaptation, its ability to move by foot on land is highly limited. Next important feature is missing tail feathers. Due to that, during the flight, it is possible to see its long legs stretched in the axial plane with its body. Nuptial feathers of Great Crested Grebe is black-mahagon on the dorsal part and

mostly white on the ventral part of its body. Typical erectable feather „ears“ are visible on the head. During the winter, a bird moults to the lighter feathers and the ears on the head vanish. Males and females look almost the same.



This species inhabits only the Old World – almost all Europe except of cold areas and Norway, but even African and Australian populations do exist. They live mainly on water bodies with rich reed vegetation, its main nest material. Pairs nest usually solitary, but colonies up to 30 nests are also known. Grebes are usually very good parents – they take care of up to six chicks both, father and mother. Aside from feeding, they also frequently carry them on their back.