Great Crested Grebe

Characteristics

Grebe with crest feathers. Among grebes, it is large and has a long neck. The back is brown and the throat and belly are white. In summer, the head and cheeks are dark brown, but in winter the cheeks turn pale. Summer plumage is more splendid for the crest. The beak is flesh-colored and pointed.

Ecology

Inhabit rivers and lakes. It dives and catches and eats fish. It builds a nest on the water and breeds from spring to summer. In winter, they sometimes move in small flocks.

Habitat

I found it mixed with ducks such as tufted ducks on the water of Arakawa Saiko Park. It seems to be more cautious than ducks, and if it notices our attention, it will quickly move away. Halfway up the river, they formed small flocks of less than 10 birds.