Hoary-headed Grebe

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.