The Great Crested Grebe is the largest bird in the Grebe family. It has a long neck with a black crown and orange/black "fans" on the sides of the face. This bird can be found in all Australian states and territories and typically resides in open bodies of fresh water. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.A Great Crested Grebe in a tall position standing on a wooden pedestal. It has a long neck and bill with coloured plumage. The crest is black with orange and black cheek "fans" on the sides of the face. The eyes are made of glass and are a red/black colour. On paper tag: "[Austra]lian... [G]rebe... [pa]ge, 42" taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, great crested grebe

The Great Crested Grebe is a medium to large sized bird located in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and in parts of Africa. They reside in large bodies of fresh water and are renowned for their elaborate mating dances. When breeding, the Great Crested Grebe has tawny cheek "fans" and black crests; however, in the non-breading seasons the plumage of this bird turns white. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Great Crested Grebe is a medium to large sized bird. It typically has cheek "fans" on the sides of the face and elaborate crest feathers which are shed after breeding, as is the case for this specimen. This bird is in a tall standing position with its neck stretched upwards and facing left. The small dark eyes have been made from glass and a large pointed bill. It has a metal tag tied to its left leg engraved with the numbers "4401". The skin surrounding the toes are flat which assists the bird when swimming.On tag 4401taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, great crested grebe, bird