The Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a well known waterbird in the UK, easily distinguished by it's brightly coloured head plumes. Sadly, this species was hunted nearly to extinction in the UK in the 19th century, the head plumes being used for decoration on victorian hats. Thankfully, the creation of the RSPB helped save the Great Crested Grebe's fate, and it is now once more a common bird in our freshwater ponds and lakes.
Young birds are quite interesting as they have a zebra-like black and white colouration on their heads. This eventually disappears as they grow into adult birds.
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