To celebrate World Wetlands Day this month, here are six birds that you might see near water.
Birds and wildlife
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusGroup: grebesUK Conservation status:GreenHow to identify
The Great Crested Grebe is a delightful, elegant waterbird with decorative head plumes. It was once hunted for these fancy feathers, almost causing the UK population to be wiped out. Great Crested Grebes dive to feed and also to escape, preferring this to flying. On land they are clumsy because their feet are placed so far back on their bodies. They have an elaborate mating display which sees them rise out of the water and shake their heads. Very young Grebes often ride on their parents' backs.Call
Great Crested Grebe
Marco Dragonetti / xeno-canto
February’s Birds of the Month
Key
- Resident
- Passage
- Summer
- Winter
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec