Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Windermere
Season
Year-round. Breeding on lakes.
Best time of day
Morning. Display in spring.
Lake District
Windermere. Ullswater. Bassenthwaite. That display. Head-shaking. Chicks on back. Common. Easy to see.
UK population
Around 5,000 pairs. Recovered from persecution.
Overview
Great crested grebes have that head-shaking display. Windermere. Ullswater. Spring. Chicks ride on the back. That ruff. Unmistakeable. Common.
At a Glance
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Habitat | Lakes · Reservoirs · Open water |
| Diet | Fish. Dives to catch. |
| UK population | Around 5,000 pairs. Recovered from persecution. |
| Lake District | Windermere. Ullswater. Bassenthwaite. That display. Head-shaking. Chicks on back. Common. Easy to see. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Windermere, Ullswater, Bassenthwaite. That head-shaking display. Chicks ride on back.
Identification
Large grebe. Ruff. Crest. Head-shaking display. Chicks on back. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Lakes. Spring for the display. Windermere. Ullswater. Chicks on back. Common.
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 Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.