The New Zealand grebe, also known as the New Zealand dabchick or weweia, is a member of the grebe family endemic to New Zealand.
Region
New Zealand (North Island)
Typical Environment
Found mainly on sheltered, well-vegetated freshwater lakes, ponds, and farm dams, especially in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and central volcanic plateau. It prefers quiet waters with dense reedbeds or raupo for cover and nesting. It rarely uses fast-flowing rivers or coastal habitats and is seldom seen on the sea. Outside the breeding season it may gather loosely on larger lakes but keeps close to vegetated margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the New Zealand dabchick or weweia, this small grebe is almost entirely confined to the North Island. It builds floating nests anchored to emergent vegetation and the striped chicks often ride on a parent’s back. The species is a reluctant flier and usually escapes danger by diving rather than taking to the air.
Adult grebe with insect
Adult with young chick
Adult and chick at Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast District
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; rarely flies and usually escapes by diving
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs during the breeding season; forms small loose groups on suitable lakes outside breeding. Pairs build floating nests anchored to emergent vegetation and cover eggs with wet plant material when leaving. Chicks ride on the parents’ backs and are fed small prey items. Territorial displays include head-bobbing and short chases across the water.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp ticking and whistling notes, with soft trills given in contact between mates. Duetting can occur, especially near the nest, and calls carry over calm water.
Plumage
Compact grebe with dark brown upperparts and a warm rufous neck and upper breast in breeding plumage; non-breeding birds are duller brown with less rufous. Feathers appear sleek and often water-beaded after dives. Chicks are striped black-and-white.
Diet
Feeds mostly on aquatic invertebrates such as insect larvae, beetles, and small crustaceans, supplemented by small fish and snails. It forages by repeated short dives, often close to emergent vegetation. Prey is typically swallowed underwater or brought to the surface briefly before consumption.
Preferred Environment
Hunts in sheltered, vegetated lake margins, among reeds, rushes, and raupo beds. Uses cover to ambush prey and minimize disturbance from wind and waves.
