Best time to see: mid Aug to mid Mar

Key facts

Medium-sized grebe found on freshwater or sea; rare breeder in UK

Habitat: freshwater and coastal waters

Uncommon breeder and winter visitor

Recognition

Grey-brown upperparts with black cap, white cheeks and red neck; thick bill with yellowish base; 42 cm

Swims and dives from surface in which to feed; flies awkwardly

Eats small fish, crustaceans, molluscs and insects; flight laboured

Lifecycle

Nest is a floating mound of vegetation in water

One brood of 4–5 white eggs, May–June