great crested grebe
Podiceps cristatus

Largest British grebe, famous for its courtship display

Habitat: lakes, rivers and coastlines

Widespread and common resident and winter visitor

Male has black cap and prominent black and russet head plumes erected in display; f has black cap with white neck

Swims, dives often for long periods; flies awkwardly

Eats fish; flight laboured but direct

Nest is a floating mound of vegetation in water

1 or 2 broods May – July ; 4 eggs white