Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

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Family

Podicipedidae

Genus

Tachybaptus

Species

novaehollandiae

Common Names

Australasian Grebe, Little Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Black-throated Dabchick, Black-throated Diver, White-bellied Diver

Distinguishing Features

This small duck-like bird is 23-25cm in size and often ruffles out its back feathers to give it a round shape.  Breeding adults are very distinct, with a yellow patch of skin between the yellow eye and the bill, and a chestnut coloured stripe on the back of the dark, glossy neck. Non-breeding adults are without the yellow or chestnut colourings and instead have a light coloured neck. All adults have a brown-grey body and wings, a white undertail with white underwings and a dark head cap. Young birds have a distinctive striped appearance.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification

Species Call

A fast, high-pitched metallic chittering, especially in the breeding season, or an abrupt 'tik!'

Similar Species

Non-breeding Hoary-headed Grebes (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) have the same colourings, but are slightly larger, with dark head colouring that extend down past the eye level. Breeding birds look very different, with a streaked head and no bright colourings.

Distribution

This species is widespread across Australia in areas with accessible water, although less common in TAS. It is also common to New Zealand, southern Papua New Guinea and many Pacific Islands.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

This species is common on the lakes and dams in and around Canberra.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

One sighting was made at the ANU.

Associated vegetation community

The Australasian Grebe inhabits a wide range of wetland environments, preferring freshwater lakes, dams or swamps with abundant vegetation.

Limiting Resources

This species relies on wetland areas with thick surrounding vegetation for their nest sites and shelter. Water must also be unpolluted to ensure its aquatic animals are healthy and abundant.

Breeding

The breeding season is variable; however it usually occurs with winter rains in the Canberra region. The small, round nest is built into the reeds and branches surrounding a waterbody, constructed of aquatic vegetation. 4-5 eggs are laid and change colour from a blue-cream to a dark brown over the incubation period, stained by the wet vegetation. Both sexes share all the nesting responsibilities, carefully covering the eggs with plants if they need to leave the nest and then carrying their fluffy, striped young birds on their backs.

Behaviour

Australasian Grebes rarely fly or spend time on land, often seen diving for food in deep or shallow water, bringing a crustacean catch to the surface. They feed mostly at dawn and dusk. They spend time in small groups and are highly vocal, especially in the breeding season when they are protecting territory. If travelling is necessary, they will fly at night.

Functional Group

Carnivore

Food Species

This Grebe will eat different types of aquatic animals, especially small fish or crustaceans and some pond snails or insects.

Predators

Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae ), Australian Ravens (Corvus coronoides ), Swamp Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) and other birds of prey may steal eggs or attack the young, as will Black Rats (Rattus rattus).

Interesting Fact

Grebes will chew their own feathers and then feed them to their young. It is thought that this will help prevent young birds from fish bone injuries later in life.