Great Crested Grebe

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The great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a slender water bird with a long thin neck. They are the largest British grebe species with a length of 46-51 cm and wingspan of 85-90 cm. The great crested grebe has white underparts and black upperparts. In the summer, their plumage has the addition of an orange, brown or red ruff. Both sexes have this. Their bill is orange and dagger-like. Juveniles appear like adults in the winter, with a stripey neck and head.

They have an elaborate courtship display which involves the pair rising out of the water and shaking their heads. There are around 4,600 breeding pairs in the UK. They typically breed in inland waters but will sometimes be seen on the sea in flocks. The grebes make a floating nest of aquatic vegetation attached to waterplants. They raise 3-5 eggs which are incubated by both mother and father for 28 days. The chicks can swim soon after hatching and ride on their parents' backs for protection from predators, including pike. Young fly after 71 days. 



Grebes will dive for fish to eat. They prefer diving to escape danger rather than flying. They breed throughout Britain and Ireland and are found at the coast during winter.


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