New Zealand Grebe

The New Zealand grebe, known locally as the weweia or New Zealand dabchick, is a bird cloaked in dark brown plumage. It boasts a diminutive black head adorned with fine silver feathers, a pointed black bill, and striking yellow eyes. This bird reaches a length of approximately 29 cm and tips the scales at around 250 grams. The non-breeding plumage is somewhat paler, and females are generally lighter, smaller, and possess a marginally shorter bill compared to their male counterparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the New Zealand grebe, look for its small stature, dark brown body, and the distinctive silver feathering on its head. The yellow eyes and black pointed bill are also key features. During non-breeding times, the plumage becomes paler, providing a clue to the bird's reproductive status.

Habitat

The New Zealand grebe favors shallow freshwater environments, such as lakes, ponds, and sheltered inlets, where it can be seen gracefully swimming or diving.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand, predominantly residing in the North Island. It is well distributed along the coastal lakes of the West coast, from North Cape to Pukekohe, and from Taranaki to Paraparaumu. It also inhabits ponds on the Volcanic Plateau, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, and the Wairarapa. Historically found in the South Island's lowland lakes, the species experienced a decline there in the 19th century, with the last regular breeding record dating back to 1941. However, a pair was observed breeding near Takaka in 2012, marking a significant event in recent history.

Behaviour

The New Zealand grebe is a nocturnal flyer, preferring to spend its days swimming or diving for food. When threatened or disturbed during daylight, it opts to escape by swimming or diving rather than flying. In the colder months, they may gather in flocks, but during the breeding season, they are typically observed in monogamous pairs. They exhibit aggressive territorial behavior towards intruders and, while generally silent, emit short calls during the breeding season and when alarmed.

Diet

The diet of the New Zealand grebe primarily consists of aquatic insects, their larvae, and small molluscs like freshwater snails. Occasionally, they may consume larger prey such as fish and freshwater crayfish. Their short, pointed bill is well-suited for catching invertebrate prey during dives or picking them from the water's surface.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from June to March, with an average clutch size of 2-3 eggs. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs for 22-23 days. The nest, constructed from surrounding vegetation and floating plant material, cradles the eggs until they hatch. The precocial chicks, though initially flightless, are capable of swimming and diving from birth. Parental care extends up to 70 days post-hatching, with the chicks sporting irregular striped markings on their head and neck and a black bill until their adult plumage develops.

Conservation Status

The New Zealand grebe is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, a testament to successful conservation efforts, including habitat management, which have led to a population increase to an estimated 1,900-2,000 birds. Human activities have inadvertently benefited the species, as the creation of artificial habitats like farm dams and ponds has expanded their range. The population is not considered to be in decline at present.