The Great Crested Grebe (GCG) is a highly specialised diving waterbird, belonging to the cosmopolitan Podicipedidae Family (The Family and Genus naming references the placement of the species’ feet well to the rear of the body). The GCG is one of three resident grebe species in Australia. The other two of course being Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus and Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae. The GCG is the largest of these three species.
The GCG is a distinctive bird, with little chance of it being confused with either the other two local grebe species or any other bird species you are likely to observe in its preferred habitat. Defining features are the long, slender silvery neck, straight dagger-like beak, black (pointed) crest and chestnut-coloured frills or ‘tippets’ around the cheek. The crest and tippets may be much reduced or absent in non-breeding season (Autumn-Winter). Immature birds appear duller in appearance with an absence of pointed crest or tippets. Juvenile birds, if you are so fortunate to observe them, display a striped facial pattern.
Most guides and books will tell you the GCG can be seen singly, in pairs, or in loose flocks or gatherings (particularly in Autumn and Winter). I have certainly had the pleasure of experiencing the GCG in these ways. What is often remarked upon are the extensive and elaborate courtship displays. Seeing these is an almost mesmerising event.
The GCG is widespread, occupying suitable habitat across Queensland (excluding much of Cape York Peninsula), New South Wales, Victoria, coastal South Australia, coastal and south-west Western Australia, and parts of the Northern Territory.
The species is considered moderately common where suitable habitat exists. In 2017 eBird observations had the GCG occurring in 12 of Queensland’s 15 bioregions, with an absence of records from Cape York, Torres Strait Islands, and Desert Uplands bioregions. How things can change. In 1977, the Queensland Museum Birds of Brisbane and Environs Booklet described the GCG as rare in the Greater Brisbane area. The GCG’s cosmopolitan status sees it occurring throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and New Zealand.
The GCG breeds throughout Spring and Summer months, with this occurring in well-vegetated, large freshwater wetlands using aquatic vegetation for nesting. Breeding locations are often associated with relatively large, open water bodies for foraging. The species may use saline lakes and sheltered bays or inlets. GCG breeding pairs are considered territorial. The male of a pair will often defend its territory vigorously against other individuals using aggressive displays. Diet is unsurprisingly constituted mostly by fish and aquatic insects.
References
- Blakers, M. 1985. The Atlas of Australian Birds, Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Victoria.
- Menkhorst, P., Rogers, D., Clarke, R. 2017. The Australian Bird Guide. CSIRO Publishing, Clayton South, Victoria.
- Noske, R. (Ed). 2019. Queensland Annual Bird Report 2017. Sunbird 48: 1-88.
- Serventy, V. N (Senior ed.). 1985 The Waterbirds of Australia. The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife. Angus & Robertson, North Ryde, New South Wales.
- Vernon, D. P. 1968. Birds of Brisbane and Environs. Queensland Museum Booklet No.5. (1977 reprint with amendments) Queensland Museum, Brisbane.
