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Exe Estuary
A Special Protection Area, Site of Special Scientific Interest and a wetland of international importance
An aerial photograph of the Exe Estuary (c) Still Imaging
slavonian grebe

After having a rather drab winter appearance , these birds take on a spectacular breeding plumage with chestnut flanks and neck, jet black back and head, finished off with golden ‘horns’ and a vivid red eye. 

Unfortunately, Slavonian Grebe are suffering significant declines and are becoming an increasingly rare sight, with very few spotted on the Exe Estuary over recent years.

Classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Listed as Vulnerable on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.