New Zealand Grebe
Poliocephalus rufopectus
Relatively small, brown-black grebe endemic to New Zealand. Note the fine silvery back-swept feathers on the head and the distinctive yellow eyes. Adults are paler in non-breeding plumage. Sexes alike. Can sit quite high on the water; feeds either on the surface or by diving for up to 30 seconds. Frequents freshwater lakes, dams, and ponds. Found mostly across the North Island and in the northern part of the South Island. Distinguished from Hoary-headed Grebe by darker plumage and from Australasian Grebe by larger size and cinnamon neck.
Identification
The New Zealand grebe (Poliocephalus rufopectus), also known as the New Zealand dabchick or weweia, is a member of the grebe family endemic to New Zealand.
Taxonomy
Genus: Poliocephalus; Family: Podicipedidae; Order: Podicipediformes.
- Scientific name
- Poliocephalus rufopectus
- Authority
- (Gray, GR, 1843)
- Order
- Podicipediformes
- Family
- Podicipedidae
- Genus
- Poliocephalus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: rising.
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Yellow-bellied Elaenia
Elaenia flavogaster
Rather bulky small flycatcher, widespread in tropical lowlands. Fairly common in overgrown brushy clearings, savannas, and other semi-open areas with scattered bushes. Looks like many other small flycatchers, and where multiple species of elaenias occur it is often not possible to identify birds to species. On Yellow-bellied, note its spiky, white-based crest (rarely held flattened), burry drawled call, whitish wingbars, and pale yellow belly; does not flick its wings or tail.
Blue-winged Racquet-tail
Prioniturus verticalis
A rare medium-sized parrot of lowland forest and edge on the Sulu Islands, possibly only remaining on Tawi-Tawi. The two central tail feathers have extended shafts ending in a racket shape. Overall green in color, darker on the back and paler below, with deeper green on the head and a pale bill. Male has a red-and-blue crown patch, but female’s patch is only blue. Occurs together with Blue-naped and Azure-rumped Parrots, but smaller, with a small pale bill. Voice includes various nasal squawks and grating calls.
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
Lanky, fierce-looking, glossy blackbird. A bit larger than a jay; smaller, proportionally longer-tailed and shorter-winged than a crow. Staring yellow eye and long heavy bill (compared to Red-winged Blackbird). Often in flocks with other blackbirds in winter. Forages in fields, scrubby areas, and open woods. Visits feeders.
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