Hoary-headed Grebe
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
Small ducklike bird that rides low in the water. In breeding plumage note distinctive streaked head and pale neck. In non-breeding plumage it is much paler, with the dark cap extending to just below the eye (compare with Australasian Grebe). Can form very large flocks; typically found on ponds and lakes, including estuaries.
Identification
The hoary-headed grebe is a fairly small dark grey and white grebe. It has a brown eye and a black patch under the chin, and a narrow black streak down the back of the neck. During the breeding season the adult's plumage has white streaks over its entire head, giving them the common name of hoary-headed grebe. Juveniles have a white chin and throat and a striped face. Males have two plumage phases: after breeding they lose the buff breast and the white lines on the head, but can usually be identified then by the broad black bar down the nape.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Poliocephalus poliocephalus
- Authority
- (Jardine & Selby, 1827)
- Order
- Podicipediformes
- Family
- Podicipedidae
- Genus
- Poliocephalus
Range and habitat
The hoary-headed grebe is found in all states and territories of Australia. It is generally absent from the central arid regions of Australia. The hoary-headed grebe is usually found away from the shoreline in large open waters, which may be estuarine, brackish or freshwater. It can also be found in sheltered coastal seas. It can sometimes be found in New Zealand, where it is much less common than Australia.
- Breeding range
- AU : sw, se Australia and Tasmania
- Non-breeding range
- AU : Australia and Tasmania (except far ne, sc)
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
With a large range and no evidence of significant population decline, this species’ conservation status is of Least Concern.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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