Great crested grebes are the largest grebes in Europe. The plumage on the back and sides is mottled brown. The back of the neck is dark brown and the front of the neck and underside are white. They have long necks and reddish-orange plumes with black tips on their heads. These plumes are only present during the breeding season, they start to develop in the winter and are fully developed by spring. They also have erectile black crests on the crown of the head that are present year round. They have short tails and legs set far back for efficient swimming and diving. Males and females look similar and juvenile birds have black stripes on their cheeks.