What Is Great Crested?

Great Crested Flycatchers are large flycatchers with fairly long and lean proportions. Like many flycatchers they have a powerful build with broad shoulders and a large head. Despite its name, this bird's crest is not especially prominent. The bill is fairly wide at the base and straight; the tail is fairly long.

How rare is a great crested newt?

One estimate has put the national population at around 400,000 animals in 18,000 breeding sites. Many of the largest populations are centred on disused mineral-extraction sites, but lowland farmland forms the majority of great crested newt habitat in the UK.

How do I identify a great crested newt?

Great crested newts are dark brown or black in colour with a distinct 'warty' skin. The underside is bright orange with irregular black blotches. In the spring, males develop an impressive jagged crest along their back and a white 'flash' along the tail.