Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus)
Hoary-headed Grebe

Hoary-headed Grebe

Poliocephalus poliocephalus

The Hoary-headed Grebe, scientifically known as Poliocephalus poliocephalus, is a small grebe with a distinctive appearance. Its plumage is primarily dark grey and white, with a brown eye and a characteristic black patch under the chin. A narrow black streak runs down the back of the neck. In breeding plumage, the adult's head is adorned with white streaks, which is the origin of its common name. Juveniles can be recognized by their white chin, throat, and striped face.

Identification Tips

To identify the Hoary-headed Grebe, look for the silvery-white streaking on the black head of adults, particularly during the breeding season. Males undergo two plumage phases; after breeding, they lose the buff breast and white lines on the head but retain a broad black bar down the nape. The bird's small size and distinctive head pattern are key identification features.

Habitat

This grebe favors large open waters away from the shoreline, including estuarine, brackish, or freshwater environments. It can also be found in sheltered coastal seas, demonstrating a preference for habitats similar to those of the Australasian grebe.

Distribution

The Hoary-headed Grebe is widespread across all states and territories of Australia, though it is generally absent from the central arid regions. During winter, it can be found throughout the island of Tasmania and occasionally in New Zealand, where it is less common.

Behaviour

The Hoary-headed Grebe is known for its deep diving to catch aquatic arthropods, its primary food source. It is diurnal, feeding during the day and foraging mostly at the water surface when light conditions are poor.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from August to January. The grebe constructs a floating platform of water weeds for its nest, similar to that of the Australasian grebe. The nests are anchored to sparse reeds or other plants and feature a shallow depression on top that is slightly above water level. The eggs are concealed under wet vegetation when not attended by a parent. Clutches typically consist of 2–5 eggs, which are oval, white, and soon stained brownish ochre. Incubation lasts 20–24 days, and the eggs measure approximately 39 x 27 mm.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Hoary-headed Grebe consists mainly of aquatic arthropods. The bird employs deep diving techniques to capture its prey and adjusts its foraging behavior according to light conditions, feeding at the water surface when visibility is low.

Conservation Status

The Hoary-headed Grebe is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large range and no evidence of significant population decline. The estimated population in Australia is about 500,000 individuals.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Hoary-headed Grebes on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Grebes

A photo of a Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii)

Clark's Grebe

Aechmophorus clarkii
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😄
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.