Description
The Great Crested Grebe is an elegant waterbird, easily recognizable by its long neck and the distinctive black crests and orange tufts on its head during the breeding season. It feeds mainly on fish, but also on aquatic insects and crustaceans. It lives in large freshwater bodies and lagoons. It builds floating nests among aquatic vegetation. The courtship ritual includes an elaborate, coordinated dance between the two partners, accompanied by the exchange of gifts.
The Situation in Italian-Speaking Switzerland
The Great Crested Grebe is widely distributed across Ticino’s major bodies of water. It nests primarily at the Bolle di Magadino and on Lake Ceresio; a few pairs can be found at the small lakes of Gudo, Muzzano, and Origlio. The population is larger in winter with the arrival of the wintering birds.
- Podiceps cristatus
- Grèbe huppé
- Haubentaucher
- Diversun crestat
- Great Crested Grebe
- 48 cm
- 85–90 cm
