The Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a freshwater wetland bird. It is a member of the grebe family of water birds noted for its elaborate mating display. Its scientific name comes from Latin: the genus name Podiceps is from podicis, "vent" and pes, "foot", and is a reference to the placement of a grebe's legs towards the rear of its body; the species name, cristatus, means "crested". The great crested grebe is the largest member of the grebe family found in the Old World,