Wild Wednesday - Great crested grebe
The great crested grebe, scientific name, Podiceps cristatus, is one of the UK's most elegant and graceful waterbirds.
It is characterised by its distinctive appearance, featuring striking black, orange-brown, and white plumage, ornate head plumes and an elaborate courtship display.
Beyond its beauty lies a fascinating conservation story - in the Victorian era, these birds were hunted, almost to extinction, for their feathers, which were used to decorate hats and clothing. By 1860, only around 50 breeding pairs remained in the UK.
Their plight sparked one of Britain's earliest conservation movements, leading to the Wild Birds Protection Act of 1880. Thanks to these efforts, the population has rebounded dramatically, with over 12,000 breeding pairs now recorded across the country.
The Great Crested Grebe's mating dance is one of the most elaborate and visually stunning courtship rituals in the bird world - a captivating sight in nature is the grebe's elaborate mating ritual.
- the birds engage in a series of synchronized movements - stretching their necks, shaking their heads, and gliding in perfect harmony. This 'mirror dance' helps the pair bond and assess each other's fitness
- next is the 'penguin dance' where they rise vertically out of the water, chest to chest, paddling furiously to stay upright. Their crests are flared and they often become more vocal - this is a show of strength and coordination
- the most iconic part of the ritual, is the 'weed dance' - both birds dive underwater to collect strands of aquatic vegetation. They then meet in the centre of the water, rise up together, and present the weeds to each other while maintaining eye contact. This symbolic offering reinforces their bond and signals readiness to mate
Grebes in the Arun district
The Great Crested Grebe can be seen in wetland areas, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, particularly around Arundel Wetland Centre, with sightings increasing in recent years.
These elegant birds are a testament to the success of local conservation efforts and the importance of preserving our natural spaces.
If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of these stunning birds, try visiting:
- Arundel Wetland Centre - a hotspot for grebe activity, especially in spring
- Swanbourne Lake, Arundel - a peaceful location where grebes are often seen diving for fish
- River Arun - look out for them gliding silently along the water's surface
Did you know?
- young grebes often ride on their parents' backs for safety and warmth
- they are excellent divers, using this skill to catch fish and evade predators
- on land, they appear clumsy due to their feet being positioned far back on their bodies
Read more here: Great crested grebe | The Wildlife Trusts