The Australasian Grebe is a small waterbird, about 23–25 cm in length. It’s sometimes called a Dab chick. The Grebe has a compact body and a relatively short neck. It has dark brown upper plumage, a glossy black head, and yellow eyes. During breeding season, it displays a yellow patch near the bill and a chestnut stripe from the eye to the neck. Outside of breeding season, its colors are dull. There’s usually a pair on Phillips Condon’s dam on the Mitta North Road.
HABITAT
This species of Grebe is found in freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, slow rivers and dams. They also prefer areas with dense aquatic vegetation.
FOOD
Australasian Grebes feed on small aquatic creatures, including insects, crustaceans, fish, and tadpoles. They are adept divers, catching prey underwater.
DISTRIBUTION
The Australasian Grebe is widely distributed across Australia, New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands and is mostly sedentary however some populations move in response to environmental changes.
BEHAVIOUR
These birds are shy and quick to dive at signs of danger. They build floating nests in vegetation, laying 3-5 eggs. Their vocalizations are high-pitched trills, particularly during breeding season (Sept-Mar). Both parents care for the young.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Grebes have lobed toes, not webbed aiding in efficient swimming.
- They cover their eggs with wet vegetation when leaving the nest to protect eggs from predators
- They eat their own feathers and feed these to their young to protect their stomachs from sharp fish bones.
Juvenile
MATING
They perform elaborate courtship displays, including synchronized swimming and diving.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List as the Australasian Grebe has a stable population. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and ensuring clean water sources.
REFERENCES
Australian Bird Life website. Wikipedia. Chatgpt. EBird. Australian Birds by George Adams