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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Podiceps cristatus
Great crested grebe. Greek: σκουφοβουτηχτάρι. Gadouras reservoir, April 2022.
Resident, fairly large population at Gadouras reservoir. Length: 46-52 cm, wingspan: 59-73 cm. Sexes similar. Forages by diving, skilful underwater hunter. Feeds mainly on fish. Elaborate graceful courtship display by both sexes (head shaking, feather ruffling, rearing by paddling, offerings of waterweed). Builds platform nest at or near water’s edge. Chicks often carried on back of swimming parents. Reluctant flyer, dives when threatened. Aggressive behaviour when breeding.
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