ExploreBird

Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus

The Great Crested Grebe is a beautiful bird with a fancy crest on its head. It loves to dive underwater to catch fish and build floating nests on lakes.

Habitat: Lakes

Appearance

The Great Crested Grebe has a sleek body with a long, thin neck, a dark cap, and a pure white belly. Its most distinctive features are the dark double crests (ears) and chestnut-red ruff framing its white face, along with striking red eyes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPodicipediformesFamilyPodicipedidaeGenusPodiceps

Great Crested Grebe

Interesting facts

Great Crested Grebes have lobed feet, not fully webbed, perfect for powerful swimming!

Grebes eat their own feathers to help digest fish and protect their insides!

Their nests are floating platforms of vegetation, anchored to underwater plants!

Tiny grebe chicks often ride on their parents' backs, even during dives!

Special abilities

Great Crested Grebe can perform complex, synchronized courtship dances because of their strong pair bonds that help them attract a mate.

Great Crested Grebe can dive deep underwater for extended periods because of their streamlined body that helps them hunt fish effectively.

Great Crested Grebe has a strong back and waterproof feathers that help them safely carry their chicks, protecting them from predators and cold.

Great Crested Grebe can swim incredibly fast underwater because of their powerful, lobed feet positioned far back on their body that help them propel.

Measurements & details

Length: 46-51 cm
Wingspan: 85-90 cm
Weight: 0.8-1.4 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Top Speed: 60 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-7
Incubation: 25-29 days
Migration Distance: 1500 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds mainly hunt fish and aquatic insects by diving underwater.

Age differences: Young chicks eat tiny invertebrates, then gradually switch to fish as they grow.

Primary Foods

small fish
aquatic insects
crustaceans
tadpoles

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

White-tailed Eagle

Haliaeetus albicilla

Large eagles can prey on adult grebes near water.

eaten by

European Otter

Lutra lutra

Otters may ambush grebes from underwater or shore.

hunts

Roach

Rutilus rutilus

Often hunts roach, a common small fish in lakes.

hunts

European Perch

Perca fluviatilis

A skilled hunter of perch, a common prey fish.

shelters

Common Reed

Phragmites australis

Builds floating nests anchored among dense reed beds.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Crested

Spot birds and other creatures with a special tuft or plume of feathers or skin on their heads! It's like a fancy crown that makes them stand out.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.