Great Crested Grebe Photo Gallery by Zoltan Kovacs at pbase.com

Great Crested Grebe

The Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a member of the grebe family of water birds.The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the grebe family found in the Old World, with some larger species residing in the Americas.It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and pursues its fish prey underwater. The adults are unmistakable in summer with head and neck decorations. In winter, this is whiter than most grebes, with white above the eye, and a pink bill. It is the largest European grebe.The Great Crested Grebe has an elaborate mating display. Like all grebes, it nests on the water's edge, since its legs are set relatively far back and it is thus unable to walk very well. Usually two eggs are laid, and the fluffy, striped young grebe are often carried on the adult's back. In a clutch of two or more hatchlings, male and female grebes will each identify their 'favourites', which they alone will care for and teach.Unusually, young grebes are capable of swimming and diving almost at hatching. The adults teach these skills to their young by carrying them on their back and diving, leaving the chicks to float on the surface; they then re-emerge a few feet away so that the chicks may swim back onto them.

WIKIPEDIA

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

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