Great crested grebe

The great crested grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. The bird is characterised by its distinctive appearance, featuring striking black, orange-brown, and white plumage, and elaborate courtship display that involves synchronised dances and displays.

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Distribution

Region

Eurasia and Africa

Typical Environment

The great crested grebe occupies large freshwater lakes, reservoirs, gravel pits, and slow-flowing rivers with ample open water and fringe vegetation. It breeds widely across temperate Europe and Asia, with resident and wintering populations extending into North Africa and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Many northern breeders move to ice-free lowland waters or sheltered coastal bays in winter. Outside the breeding season it can be found on estuaries and inshore seas, especially where waters are calm. It avoids very small ponds and prefers areas that allow long underwater pursuit dives.

Altitude Range

0–2500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size46–51 cm

Wing Span59–73 cm

Male Weight1.2 kg

Female Weight1 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Famed for its elaborate 'weed dance,' pairs rise breast-to-breast while presenting aquatic plants during courtship. They build floating nests anchored in emergent vegetation, and parents often carry striped chicks on their backs. Once heavily persecuted for their ornate breeding plumage, conservation measures helped populations recover in parts of Europe.

Gallery

A great crested grebe head in the coat of arms of Kauvatsa, Finland

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

rapid wingbeats, low over water; capable of sustained migratory flights

Social Behavior

Breeding pairs defend territories vigorously on lakes and marshes. Courtship involves synchronized displays, head-shaking, and the iconic weed dance. They build floating nests among reeds, and both adults incubate and later carry chicks on their backs for warmth and protection.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Vocalizations include loud rolling barks and grating trills, often heard during courtship and territorial disputes. Calls carry over water and can sound like harsh 'kraah' or 'krrr' notes, interspersed with growls and chatter.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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