© Photo by Ian Rose Great Crested Grebe Podiceps Cristatus Grebes are diving waterbirds, feeding on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. © Photo by Andrew Parkinson/2020VISION A little bit larger than a Coot, Great Crested Grebes nest on floating platforms made up of waterweed. How to Identify The largest and most often seen grebe, with an impressive plume on the head and ruff around its neck during the breeding season. It has white cheeks, a dark cap, an orangey ruff, a white neck and a dark body. Where to find The largest and most often seen grebe, with an impressive plume on the head and ruff around its neck during the breeding season. It has white cheeks, a dark cap, an orangey ruff, a white neck and a dark body. How People Can Help The Great Crested Grebe was nearly hunted to extinction in the UK for its elegant feathers. They have made a comeback and are now regularly seen on waterbodies, including man-made lakes, flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. The Wildlife Trusts work with planners, water companies and landowners to help make our man-made waterways and waterbodies as good for wildlife as they are for people. By working together, we can create a ‘Living Landscape’: a network of habitats stretching across town and country, allowing wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust. Did you know? Never mind Strictly Come Dancing, to see some fancy footwork head down to your local lake or reservoir to watch the wild dance of Great Crested Grebes. Their early spring courtship includes ‘mewing’ and calling, synchronised swimming, preening and fanning out their feathery ruffs. Key FactsLength: 45-51cmWingspan: 88cmWeight: up to 1.1kgAverage lifespan: 10-15 years Donate Donate to help support Great Crested Grebe and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Crossbill Birds Cuckoo Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Goosander Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds Hobby Birds House Martin Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Lesser Redpoll Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Little Owl Birds Little Ringed Plover Birds Long-Eared Owl Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Marsh Harrier Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Merlin Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Osprey Birds Oystercatcher Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Pied Wagtail Birds Raven Birds Red Grouse Birds Red Kite Birds Redstart Birds Redwing Birds Reed Bunting Birds Reed Warbler Birds Ringed Plover Birds Robin Birds Rock Pipit Birds Rook Birds Sedge Warbler Birds Short-Eared Owl Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Spotted Flycatcher Birds Starling Birds Stonechat Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Teal Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Tufted Duck Birds Water Rail Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whimbrel Birds Whinchat Birds Whitethroat Birds Wigeon Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Woodcock Birds Wren Birds Yellow Wagtail Birds Yellowhammer Birds