Identification
An elegant, long-necked diving bird. Breeding adults have striking head tufts and cheek frills; non-breeding plumage is much plainer.
When to look
Resident, migratory and locally dispersing populations occur. Winter birds may gather on large unfrozen waters away from nesting margins.
Where to look
Lakes, reservoirs and quieter rivers with open feeding water and vegetated margins provide suitable habitat.
Behaviour and ecology
Food and nutrition
Fish and other aquatic prey are caught during dives. Productive open water is needed as well as sheltered nesting cover.
Breeding and life cycle
A floating plant platform is usually built near vegetation. Pairs can be territorial, although loose nesting groups occur where suitable sites are limited.
A closer look
Seasonal loss of the ornate head feathers can make identification harder. Neck length, body shape and diving behaviour remain useful clues.
Global conservation assessment
LC · Least Concern
Global category recorded from the linked assessment; it does not describe local abundance. Least Concern does not mean absence of threats.
View the source assessment ↗Observation and photography
Observe natural pair behaviour from a distance. Keep boats clear of floating nests, chicks and the vegetation anchoring their platforms.
Sources and further reading
Keep a distance that allows birds to feed and rest normally. Do not enter colonies, approach nests, flush roosts or use playback for photographs. Never publish precise nest locations of sensitive species. Follow reserve rules and your guide's advice.