Best time to see: all year
Key facts
Largest British grebe, famous for its courtship display
Nest on inland lakes and rivers; joined by northern birds in winter and seen also on estuary and coast
Almost exterminated in 19th century because its feathers were used to decorate women's hats
Recognition
Male has black cap and prominent black and russet head plumes when breeding; female has black cap with white neck; 48 cm
Swims on surface and dives for fish, often for long periods
Flight is laboured but direct
Lifecycle
In courtship, pairs dance and posture together and then jointly build the nest, a floating mound of vegetation
One or 2 broods of 3–5 white eggs, April–July, incubated by both parents, changing place every few hours
After hatching, chicks are often carried on the back of one parent while the other brings food
© unknown
© David Harrison