Great Crested Grebe

Great crested grebes occur across Europe and parts of Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, with some populations migrating between inland breeding waters and coastal wintering sites. They inhabit lakes, ponds, estuaries, brackish water, and sheltered coasts. Adults measure 46–61 centimetres, span 59–73 centimetres, and weigh 800–1,490 grams. Their brown upperparts contrast with white underparts, while breeding birds develop conspicuous reddish-orange head plumes tipped in black alongside permanently present erectile black crown feathers (Animal Diversity Web).

These grebes feed mainly on fish such as roach, perch, and smelt, while also taking aquatic insects, crustaceans, molluscs, amphibians, and invertebrate larvae. They capture prey by diving and forage especially actively around dawn and dusk. Seasonal pairs form after birds reach their breeding grounds. Their elaborate mutual courtship begins with the partners facing one another, necks erect and crests raised, before both shake their heads in alternating fast and slow movements. Some established pairs remain together through winter (Animal Diversity Web).