Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus
Wetlands. Dark brown upperparts; ‘horned’ crest and golden flanks when breeding; head, neck and underparts white at other times.
Grebes
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Uncommon resident. Unmistakable, with long crests when breeding and long, flattened cheek-feathers. In non-breeding plumage differs from [Black-necked Grebe] in white head with black cap only, darker ruby-red eyes, larger bill and larger size. Normally silent. Pairs occur on large inland waters bordered by low, emergent vegetation. On water, when preening, habitually exposes its white underparts like [Black-necked Grebe].
Quick Facts
Size
50 cm - L
Names
A: Kuifkopdobbertjie
Ss: Thoboloko E Kgolo
G: Haubentaucher
Bird Family
Small, almost tailless waterbirds. They feed beneath the surface by diving, remaining submerged for 20-50 seconds. They are seldom seen on land, but fly long distances at night to new waters. Breeding and non-breeding plumages differ. Small chicks are striped on the upperparts, the head-stripes remaining until nearly fully grown. Chicks ride on parents' backs.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
