The Australasian grebe is a small waterbird common on fresh water lakes and rivers in greater Australia, New Zealand and on nearby Pacific islands. At 25–27 cm (9.8–10.6 in) in length, it is one of the smallest members of the grebe family, along with the least grebe and little grebe.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Widespread across Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, and present on nearby Pacific islands and parts of New Guinea. Prefers small, calm freshwater bodies such as ponds, farm dams, lagoons, and slow-flowing rivers with abundant fringing vegetation. Will use urban wetlands and ornamental lakes, and occasionally sheltered brackish lagoons. Avoids fast-flowing rivers and open coastal waters. Often disperses locally in response to rainfall and changing water levels.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, adept diver, the Australasian grebe often sinks quietly rather than taking flight when alarmed. During breeding it sports a rich chestnut neck and a small yellow facial spot, and parents frequently carry downy chicks on their backs. Nests are floating platforms anchored to waterside vegetation. It readily colonizes farm dams, urban ponds, and small lakes.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; rarely flies, prefers diving
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, forming small loose groups on productive waters. Builds a floating nest of aquatic vegetation anchored to reeds or other plants; typically monogamous within a season. Adults frequently carry young on their backs and are strongly territorial during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched trills and sharp whistled notes, often given in series from cover or open water. Breeding birds produce repeated, insect-like trills and chatter that carry across small lakes.
Plumage
Compact grebe with dark brown to blackish upperparts and paler underparts; breeding adults show a rich chestnut neck and ear area with glossy darker head. Non-breeding birds are duller brown-grey with a pale throat and reduced chestnut tones. A distinct white rear-flank patch is often visible when swimming.
Diet
Feeds mainly on aquatic insects and their larvae (such as beetles, caddisflies, and dragonflies), supplemented by small fish, tadpoles, and crustaceans. Captures prey by quick, shallow dives and underwater pursuit. Occasionally takes small mollusks and snails.
Preferred Environment
Forages along vegetated margins, among reeds and waterlilies, and over submerged weed beds. Often works quiet coves and edges where prey is concentrated, sometimes gleaning from the surface or emergent plants.
