Great crested grebe
The Great Crested Grebe is a medium-sized water bird, 45 to 50 centimeters long, with a wingspan of up to 90 centimeters. These birds weigh between 0.9 and 1.5 kilograms. Their backs and wings are brown and their bellies are white. The head is black with a white patch on the face. During the breeding season, adult males have a crest on the back of their head, which can be up to 18 centimeters long, while females do not have a crest.
Great Crested Grebe are swimming and diving birds. They are able to dive underwater and stay there for up to two minutes, using their wings and legs to move underwater. They feed mainly on small fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects that they catch while diving.
In terms of diet, the great crested grebe feeds mainly on predatory fish species, crustaceans and aquatic insects caught while diving underwater. Their diet may vary depending on the availability of food in their habitat and the time of year. Their diet is essential to maintain their health and reproduction.
These birds are monogamous and form long-lasting pairs. They build nests on water, usually on a floating plant or vessel, which they surround with aquatic plants. The female usually lays 2-3 eggs, which are hatched alternately by the male and female for about 27-29 days. After hatching, the young stay in the nest until they gain enough strength to swim and dive, which happens after about 70 days.
Mating in great crested grebe takes place between March and June. Mating rituals include elaborate dance performances in which the female and male dance on the water and perform various gestures while holding each other by the beak. These dance performances are important for strengthening the bond between the pair and are often a precursor to mating. After mating, the female usually lays 2-3 eggs, which are hatched alternately by the male and female for about 27-29 days.
The Great Crested Grebe is an endangered species, as loss of habitat and pollution of water resources has affected their abundance. They are therefore protected by law and cannot be caught or disturbed during the mating and breeding seasons.
