Great crested grebe. Somormujo

Description:

It is the largest of the grebes and grebes that can be seen in Spain, with the size of a large duck. It is an elegant bird, with a stylized neck, a long pointed beak, and an elongated body. In summer it shows off a showy plumage, with the upper part of the black head, in which two groups of feathers stand out as plumes. From the cheeks come striking, elongated feathers, in reddish and black tones. The area around the eyes is white, as is the neck, chest and belly, which contrasts with the dark back and reddish flanks. In winter plumage it is much less conspicuous, with a general dark tone on the back and sides, although it has a white neck, head (except the dark crown) and underparts. In any plumage, the long neck is a good diagnostic feature. In flight, its slender complexion is observed, with its long neck stretched out, and its rapid wing beat makes the white wing zones visible as flashes. There are no differences between the sexes. Juveniles are similar to adults in winter, although they have a drawing of black lines on the face. that distinguishes them.

Habitat:

In a saltwater pond located between the Mediterranean Sea and La Albufera (coastal freshwater lagoon). Area of pines and undergrowth of hearts of palm, mastic, rosemary... It is a protected pond because it is very close to the city of Valencia and is highly visited. They also inhabit it depending on the season: flamingos, sandpipers, stilts, seagulls, etc.