Great crested grebes are the largest grebes in Europe, with a range spanning from Britain to Russia. Once persecuted for their feathers, their population was devastated during the Victorian period. Following excellent conservation measures, numbers have since greatly increased. These grebes are well known for their elaborate courtship displays where pairs raise and shake their heads and approach each other with weed in their bills. After hatching, the stripy chicks are carried around on the backs of their parents.

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