Grebe, Great Crested

Conservation status:

Resident Breeder

Description:

The biggest Grebe in the region. Swims while keeping its long body low, with its graceful, long white neck held upright. During flight it keeps the neck extended and feet under the line of the body. It has a large white patch on the secondaries, white border to front of underwing and on shoulders along the body. Easy to see on open water and usually submerges smoothly, without leaping. Breeding adults are unmistakable with their black crests, chestnut and black ear coverts and gleaming white fronts. In winter the plumage is much duller and lacks the crest and colourful ear coverts.