Great Crested Grebe | Hainault Forest

Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus

TQ4792 17/03/2017 ©Raymond Small

Great Crested Grebes are the largest of the British grebes. They dive underwater to catch fish and also when they feel threatened. Pairs normally start courtship in mid-winter. Flamboyant rituals such as synchronised swimming, diving, head shaking, weed presentation and running on water take place. If a couple accept each other then a floating nest will be built. The parents give their young feathers to swallow when feeding. The reason for this is unclear, but it has been suggested that this is done to assist them in regurgitating fish bones and to make them less susceptible to gastric parasites.