A pair of great crested grebes made a splash as they fought over a floating nest on a lake in Spain.

Their orange and blackhead plumes, known as tippets, could be seen spreading wide as they square up and prepare to strike.

The bird, an excellent swimmer and diver, is well-known for its elaborate courtship dance, during which it rises vertically out of the water and shakes its head.

An adult has impressive plumes on its head and orange ruff around its neck during the breeding season. The young are distinctive because of their black and white stripes.

The bird is common across Europe, Africa and Asia.

(Cover image via VCG)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)