Great Grebe
A species of Typical Grebes Scientific name : Podiceps major Genus : Typical Grebes
Great Grebe, A species of Typical Grebes
Botanical name: Podiceps major
Genus: Typical Grebes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Cláudio Dias Timm , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
This is a very large grebe, with proportions more like a goose or a cormorant than a typical grebe. They range in length from 67–80 cm (26-32 inches) and usually weigh about 1600 grams (3.5 lb), but can scale to at least 2 kg (4.4 lb). They are buffy-rufous on the neck and chest, blackish on the back and have a whitish belly. The head is sooty gray with a reddish-brown eye. Due to its size and unique coloration, the great grebe is unlikely to be confused with any other bird, including other grebes. 
Size
77 cm
Feeding Habits
Great Grebe predominantly consumes fish, often opting for specimens up to 11 cm. Foraging behaviors include diversifying their diet with insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Uniquely, great Grebe adapts in winter, consuming nearly 50% crabs, and may prey on juvenile waterbirds, such as coots.
Habitat
The great Grebe is found in a variety of aquatic environments, typically on open water bodies. Their preferred habitats include low-altitude lakes and calm rivers, often bordered by forested areas, as well as estuarine marshlands. During the breeding season, great Grebe selects densely vegetated areas of large lakes, while non-breeding individuals may inhabit coastal lagoons, estuaries, bays, and areas with kelp. Non-breeders are known to reside along coasts throughout the year, and occasionally, great Grebe are observed on the open sea up to 1200 meters above sea level. This species is more distributed in southern regions, where much of its natural habitat remains intact.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Download Picture Bird
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
