Great Crested Grebe
Scientific Name: Podiceps cristatusMaltese Name: Blongun Prim
Family: Grebes (Podicipedidae)
Occurence: Scrace
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Great Crested Grebe is the largest of the 3 Grebes that occur in the Maltese Islands. Adults in summer are graceful with black head plumes, a white face and a dagger like bill. It then has a slender neck and a white breast and neck. Overall its back and undersides are dull and dark. In winter, birds are barer without its plumes and unique ruff. To feed it dives from the surface into the water, staying under for lengthy periods in search of aquatic creatures and small fish. It builds its nest by constructing a pile of trigs and weeds on the water where it lays 3 to 4 eggs. Often breeds in small groups together on the same lakes. When courting Great Crested Grebes perform complex rituals and swim close by each other. It is widespread except in far northern Europe. In winter is seen in big reservoirs and coastal waters. In autumn migrants disperse and are seen around the Mediterranean Sea.
Status:
Is a scarce visitor, normally seen solitary or in flocks, mostly out at sea.
When to See:
Appears in small numbers in winter mostly from end of October until February.
Where to See:
May appear in bays, harbours and coastal inlets like Salina. Every year an individual or more spend a few hours or days feeding and resting at Ghadira Nature Reserve. Otherwise may be seen migrating offshore, with Qawra being a good site.
Photographs:
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Great Crested Grebe (winter plumage), 10th January 2009, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Great Crested Grebe, 10th January 2009, Ghadira Nature Reserve | Great Crested Grebes, 14th February 2007, Ahrax tal-Mellieha |
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