Bird Guide

Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus

Least ConcernFishWetlandPlatform nestLarge · 731 g

About the Great Crested Grebe

The great crested grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. The bird is characterised by its distinctive appearance, featuring striking black, orange-brown, and white plumage, and elaborate courtship display that involves synchronised dances and displays.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The great crested grebe is the largest species of grebe in the Old World, though some larger species occur in the Americas. They measure 46–51 cm (18–20 in) long with a 59–73 cm (23–29 in) wingspan and weigh 0.9 to 1.5 kg (2.0 to 3.3 lb). It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish prey underwater. The adults are unmistakable in summer with head and neck decorations. In winter, this is whiter than most grebes, with white above the eye, and a pink bill. Birds resident in warmer tropical and subtropical regions (particularly in subspecies P. c. infuscatus and P. c.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Great Crested Grebe sounds like

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Grégoire Chauvot · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Great Crested Grebe lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Iceland, Eswatini, Libya.

When to see the Great Crested Grebe

Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Great Crested Grebe vs Pied-billed Grebe · Great Crested Grebe vs Horned Grebe · Black-necked Grebe vs Great Crested Grebe · Great Crested Grebe vs Red-necked Grebe

Learn the Great Crested Grebe in BeakBrain

Photo and call practice, free in any browser.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.