Great Crested Grebe カンムリカイツブリ Scientific name: Podiceps cristatus
The Great Crested Grebe is the largest and one of the most elegant grebes found in Japan. In Japanese, it is called カンムリカイツブリ / Kanmuri-kaitsuburi, meaning “crested grebe.” It is easily recognized by its long, slender neck, pointed bill, white body, and distinctive black crest and reddish-brown facial feathers during the breeding season.
Outside the breeding season, its appearance becomes much simpler, with a mostly white face and grayish upperparts. The striking crest and facial ruff are reduced or absent in winter plumage.
In Japan, the Great Crested Grebe is mainly found on large lakes, reservoirs, calm coastal waters, estuaries, and sheltered bays. It is an excellent diver and spends much of its time on the water, often disappearing underwater for surprisingly long periods while hunting fish.
Habitat: Large lakes, reservoirs, calm coastal waters, estuaries, sheltered bays
Range in Japan: Widespread, especially during winter, on suitable large bodies of water
Diet: Mainly fish, along with aquatic insects, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals
Season: Mainly autumn to spring; some birds remain year-round
Size: About 46–51 cm
Nesting: Floating nest anchored to aquatic vegetation; breeding colonies can occur where conditions are suitable
Behavior: Excellent diver and swimmer; catches fish underwater; often rests on open water
Conservation: Dependent on clean, productive lakes, reservoirs, and sheltered wetlands
The Great Crested Grebe is a graceful waterbird distinguished by its long neck, slender bill, and spectacular breeding plumage. The カンムリカイツブリ becomes especially impressive in spring, when its black crest and rich reddish-brown facial feathers develop. It spends much of its life on the water and dives beneath the surface to catch fish. In Japan, it is most often encountered during winter on large lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and sheltered coastal waters.
Great Crested Grebe カンムリカイツブリ
The Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a large and elegant waterbird known for its long, slender neck, striking white face, dark crown, and elaborate black-and-chestnut head plumes during the breeding season. It is an excellent swimmer and spends much of its time on open water.
It feeds mainly on fish and other aquatic animals, catching prey by diving underwater. The species is also famous for its spectacular courtship display, in which pairs swim toward each other, raise their bodies, and perform synchronized movements on the water. In Japan, it can be seen on lakes, ponds, reservoirs, wetlands, and coastal waters, particularly during the colder months.
Category
Grebes, Waterbirds, Diving Birds
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Lakes, ponds, marshes, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal waters
Region
Japan, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia
Behavior
Diving, fish hunting, swimming, courtship displays, seasonal movement
Population
Widespread and generally common
カンムリカイツブリ Great Crested Grebe
カンムリカイツブリ（Podiceps cristatus）は、日本で見られるカイツブリ類の中でも 特に大型で優雅な水鳥です。長く細い首と白い顔、黒い頭頂部が特徴で、繁殖期には 頭部に黒と赤褐色の美しい飾り羽が現れます。泳ぎが非常に巧みで、水面をゆっくり 移動しながら、危険を感じると水中へ潜ります。
主に魚類や水生動物を捕食し、優れた潜水能力を使って水中で獲物を捕らえます。 また、つがいが向かい合って体を起こし、同じ動きをする華やかな求愛ディスプレイでも 知られています。日本では湖、池、沼、貯水池、河口や沿岸の水域などで見られ、 特に冬季には各地の水辺で観察されます。
Category
カイツブリ科、水鳥、潜水性の鳥
IUCN Status
低危険種（Least Concern）
Habitat
湖、池、沼、貯水池、河口、沿岸の水域
Region
日本、ヨーロッパ、アジア、アフリカ、オーストラリア
Behavior
潜水、魚を捕食、水上遊泳、求愛ディスプレイ、季節移動
Population
広く分布し、全体として普通に見られる
