Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus

Largest British grebe, famous for its courtship display

Habitat: lakes, rivers and coastlines

Widespread and common resident and winter visitor

Male has black cap and prominent black and russet head plumes erected in display; f has black cap with white neck

Swims on surface; dives for fish, often for long periods

Flight is laboured but direct

Nest is a floating mound of vegetation in water

1 or 2 broods May – July ; 4 white eggs

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