Great Crested Grebe

Adults in breeding plumage feature a striking black and chestnut crest and ruff around the head, bright red eyes, a pinkish-white bill, and grey-brown upperparts with white underparts. Non-breeding adults have a duller head pattern lacking the prominent ruff. Juveniles have striped heads and necks.

Large size, long whitish neck, dark crest and rufous-black facial ruff, bright red eyes, and a straight pinkish-white bill.

Length: 46-51 cm (18-20 inches); Wingspan: 59-73 cm (23-29 inches); Weight: 600-1500 g (1.3-3.3 lbs)

Generally silent outside the breeding season. Gives harsh, grating barks and croaking calls ('orr-orr') during courtship and territorial disputes.

Primarily fish, supplemented by aquatic insects, crustaceans, frogs, and small mollusks. Forages mainly by diving.

Large, open freshwater lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs, and occasionally sheltered coastal bays or estuaries with reed beds for nesting.

Partial migrant. Birds in northern and eastern parts of its range migrate south or to ice-free coastal areas, while western and southern populations are largely resident.

Builds a floating platform of rotting vegetation anchored to reeds in shallow water. Lays 3-5 eggs, and both parents share incubation duties and carry chicks on their backs.

Red-necked Grebe and Horned Grebe. The Great Crested Grebe is distinguished by its larger size, longer pinkish bill, and unique black-and-chestnut ruff in breeding plumage.

Acts as an apex aquatic predator of small fish and invertebrates in its wetland habitat, helping to regulate prey populations and indicating the health of freshwater ecosystems.

Least Concern (IUCN) with stable population trends globally.

Best observed with binoculars or a spotting scope near calm lakes, reservoirs, or slow-moving rivers during spring to witness their intricate courtship dances.

Famous for their elaborate courtship ritual, which includes synchronized swimming, head-shaking, and rising vertically out of the water while holding aquatic weed offerings ('weed dance').