About Podiceps cristatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Taxonomy and classification
The great crested grebe, with the scientific name Podiceps cristatus (Linnaeus, 1758), is the largest grebe species found in the Old World, though a number of larger grebe species exist in the Americas.
Size measurements
Adult great crested grebes measure 46–51 cm (18–20 in) in body length, have a wingspan of 59–73 cm (23–29 in), and weigh 0.9 to 1.5 kg (2.0 to 3.3 lb).
Foraging behavior
This species is an excellent swimmer and diver, and it chases fish prey underwater.
Summer breeding plumage
In summer, adult great crested grebes can be easily identified by their distinctive head and neck decorations.
Winter non-breeding plumage
In winter, their plumage is whiter than that of most other grebe species, with white plumage above the eye and a pink bill.
Tropical regional plumage
Birds that live year-round in warmer tropical and subtropical regions, especially the subspecies P. c. infuscatus and P. c. australis found in Kenya and parts of Australia, keep their breeding plumage all or almost all year, and develop little to no winter plumage.
Vocalizations
The great crested grebe’s call is a loud, barking rah-rah-rah. Individuals can also make a clicking kek call, as well as deep growls.
Chick plumage
Like the chicks of most grebe species, great crested grebe chicks have boldly patterned striped heads with alternating black and white stripes.
Chick common name
These chicks are often informally called "humbugs" because their stripes resemble the pattern of humbug sweets.
Juvenile plumage loss
They lose these juvenile markings as they mature during their first winter.
Breeding habitat
Great crested grebes breed in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes.
Nominate subspecies range
The nominate subspecies P. c. cristatus ranges across Europe and eastward through the Palearctic.
Nominate subspecies movement
It stays year-round in the milder western part of its range, but migrates away from colder regions. It spends the winter on freshwater lakes, reservoirs, or coastal areas.
Other subspecies movement
The African subspecies P. c. infuscatus and the Australasian subspecies P. c. australis are mainly non-migratory, staying in their ranges year-round.
