Great Crested Grebe

The largest and most elegant European grebe. It lives on freshwater lakes and reservoirs. In breeding plumage, it has ornate head frills and dark 'horns'. It has a long, slender neck and a sharp, pinkish bill. Once hunted for its feathers, it is now a common resident across Europe.

It is famous for an elaborate 'weed-dance' courtship where pairs mirror each other’s movements. They are expert divers. Parents often carry striped 'zebra' chicks on their backs for protection. In winter, they lose their colorful frills and move to larger lakes or coastal waters.