Wildlife
Great crested grebes are the largest grebes in Europe, with a range spanning from Britain to Russia. Once persecuted for their feathers, their population was devastated during the Victorian period. Following excellent conservation measures, numbers have since greatly increased. These grebes are well known for their elaborate courtship displays where pairs raise and shake their heads and approach each other with weed in their bills. After hatching, the stripy chicks are carried around on the backs of their parents.
Scientific name: Podiceps cristatus
Rank: Species
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Industrial fallout
New lakes have helped grebes return from the brink of extinction.
New lakes have helped grebes return from the brink of extinction.
Feather food
Great crested grebes feed feathers to their chicks.
Great crested grebes feed feathers to their chicks.
Plastic fantastic
Great crested grebes choose an unusual courtship gift.
Great crested grebes choose an unusual courtship gift.
Great crested grebe courtship display
Iolo Williams investigates the courtship behaviour of great crested grebes in Wales.
Iolo Williams investigates the courtship behaviour of great crested grebes on a reservoir in late March.
Analysing behaviour
An obsession with the great crested grebe's sex life led to a new branch of science - ethology.
An obsession with the great crested grebe's sex life led to a new branch of science - ethology.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Great crested grebe can be found in a number of locations including: Asia, Australia, China, Europe, Indian subcontinent, Mediterranean, Russia, United Kingdom, Wales. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Great crested grebe distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Year assessed: 2009
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
The Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a member of the grebe family of water birds.
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Helpless young
Learning
Adapted to swimming
Carnivorous
Courtship display
Adapted to flying
Monogamous
Egg layer
Parental investment