Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) – Wildlife of Japan

Introduction

The Great Crested Grebe in Japan is an elegant, long-necked diving bird famous for its ornate head plumes and spectacular “weed dance.” It is a familiar winter visitor to lakes and bays across the country, while small but growing populations also breed locally in spring.

Appearance

Large for a grebe, measuring about 46–51 cm in length with a 59–73 cm wingspan. Breeding adults display a black double crest and chestnut ruff, while non-breeding birds are grayish-white with a pale face and pinkish bill.

Habitat & Distribution

Prefers large lakes, reservoirs, broad rivers, and sheltered coastal waters. In Japan, most individuals winter nationwide, while localized breeding occurs at select lakes and slow rivers in Honshū and Hokkaidō.

Where to See in Japan

Inbanuma (Chiba) – Frequent sightings, including birds in breeding plumage.

Lake Biwa (Shiga) – Regular breeding population; spectacular courtship visible in spring.

Tokyo Bay – Winter flocks at Kasai Marine Park and Sanbanze.

Gosho Lake (Iwate) – First breeding confirmed in 2016, still monitored.

Ogawara Lake (Aomori) – Long-term breeding site.

Behavior

Expert underwater hunter, repeatedly diving with brief surfacings. Courtship features synchronized head-shaking and the “weed dance,” where partners rise chest-to-chest while presenting aquatic plants.

Diet

Feeds mainly on small fish, but also takes crustaceans, aquatic insects, newts, and tadpoles depending on habitat.

Reproduction

Builds a floating nest from water plants in reedbeds or quiet coves. Both sexes share nest building and incubation. Typical clutch has several chalk-white eggs; downy chicks often ride on a parent’s back.

Conservation

Globally Least Concern, but Japanese status varies by prefecture (e.g., VU in Saitama, “watch” category in Chiba). Small, localized breeding populations need monitoring.

Author’s Impression

I’ve never seen their full courtship dance in person, but it’s one of the displays I’d most love to witness someday on a quiet lake in spring.