Great-crested grebe

Description:

The adults are unmistakable in summer with head and neck decorations. In winter, this is whiter than most grebes, with white above the eye, and a pink bill. They dive to feed and also to escape, preferring this to flying. On land they are clumsy because their feet are placed so far back on their bodies. The young are remarkable because their heads are striped black and white, much like zebras. They lose these markings when they become adults. They feed mainly on fish, but also little crustaceans, insects and small frogs.

Habitat:

This bird breeds in vegetated areas of freshwater lakes. The subspecies P. c. cristatus is found across Europe and Asia. It resides in the milder west of its range, but migrates from the colder regions. It winters on freshwater lakes and reservoirs or the coast.

Notes:

Seen in Lake Geneva.