Australasian Grebe

The Australasian grebe, Tachybaptus novaehollandiae, is a diminutive and graceful waterbird, one of the smallest members of the grebe family. Adults measure between 25 to 27 centimeters in length, displaying a remarkable agility in aquatic environments.

Identification Tips

During the breeding season, both sexes exhibit a lustrous black head and neck, complemented by a rich chestnut facial stripe that extends from behind the eye to the base of the neck. The eye is a striking yellow, accented by a notable pale yellow spot below the face. In contrast, the non-breeding plumage is somewhat subdued, lacking the chestnut stripe, and the face spot turns whiter, with the throat and front adopting a grey-white hue.

Habitat

These birds are commonly found on freshwater lakes and rivers, where they can exhibit their adept swimming and diving capabilities.

Distribution

The Australasian grebe has a broad range, inhabiting greater Australia, New Zealand, and various Pacific islands.

Behaviour

Australasian grebes are excellent swimmers and divers, often submerging themselves as a reflex when startled. They are nocturnal flyers, traveling under the cover of darkness, likely to evade predators. They exhibit a strong fidelity to their home territories, provided there is an ample food supply. When disturbed, they prefer to dive and re-emerge at a distance rather than take flight.

Breeding

Both parents are involved in rearing the young, with the male typically departing once the chicks have reached three-quarters of their full size. In their early life stages, the chicks often ride on the backs of their parents, nestled between slightly raised wings. As they mature and begin to dive and feed independently, around 10 weeks of age, the mother may also leave, though she may return periodically to check on her offspring. The parents are fiercely protective, ready to confront and deter other water birds that venture too close to their progeny.

Similar Species

The Australasian grebe can be confused with the non-breeding hoary-headed grebe, which shares a similar range and has comparable plumage during certain times of the year.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Australasian grebe as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at present.