Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus

Great Crested Grebes are the largest grebe species in Britain. They dive underwater to catch fish and evade predators. Courtship  typically begins in mid-winter and involves synchronized swimming, diving, head shaking, and the presentation of vegetation, as well as running on water. If a pair forms a bond, they construct a floating nest. During feeding, parents provide their chicks with feathers to consume. The reason for this behaviour is not fully understood, but it is believed to help the young regurgitate fish bones and reduce their risk of gastric parasites.