Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus
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Overview
The Great Crested Grebe has an extraordinary courtship display — the famous 'weed dance' where both birds rise from the water breast to breast, shaking their heads and offering water weeds. They were hunted nearly to extinction in the 19th century for their silky breast feathers used in ladies' hats. A Victorian conservation campaign to save them helped birth the RSPB. They're now common on large waters. In winter, grey and white birds appear offshore — a different look from the summer's full regalia.
At a Glance
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Habitat | Large freshwater lake · Coastal lagoon · Offshore sea in winter |
| Diet | Fish — dives from surface and pursues fish underwater |
| UK population | Around 4,600 pairs; green-listed |
| Sefton Coast | Present year-round at Marine Lake and Marshside; winter birds offshore |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Marine Lake Southport, Marshside RSPB main lagoon. Also offshore in winter.
Identification
Large, elegant grebe. Summer: orange-chestnut frill and black crest. Winter: white below, dark above, white face and neck. Long neck, dagger bill. Dives with a slight jump.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit Marine Lake or Marshside in March–April for courtship displays. The weed dance is most likely in early morning. Winter birds offshore are grey and white.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Great Crested Grebes help create the RSPB?
In the 1880s, Great Crested Grebes were being killed in large numbers for their silky breast plumes, used in ladies' fashion. Their UK population fell to around 42 pairs. A group of women, outraged by this slaughter, founded the Society for the Protection of Birds in 1889 — which became the RSPB. Protection legislation followed and Great Crested Grebes recovered to thousands of pairs.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.