New Zealand grebe

The New Zealand grebe, also known as the New Zealand dabchick or weweia, is a member of the grebe family endemic to New Zealand.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size25–29 cm

Wing Span40–45 cm

Male Weight0.23 kg

Female Weight0.21 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Adult grebe with insect

Adult with young chick

Adult and chick at Queen Elizabeth Park, Kāpiti Coast District

Behaviour

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.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Kākā

The New Zealand kākā is a large species of parrot of the family Strigopidae found in New Zealand's native forests across the three main Islands of New Zealand. The species is often known by the abbreviated name kākā, although it shares this name with the recently extinct Norfolk kākā and Chatham kākā. Two subspecies of New Zealand kākā are recognised. It is endangered and has disappeared from much of its former range, though the re-introduction of North Island kākā at Zealandia in Wellington has led to an increasing population of the birds across the city.

New Zealand king shag

The New Zealand king shag, also known as the rough-faced shag, king shag or kawau pāteketeke, is a rare bird endemic to New Zealand. Some taxonomic authorities, including the International Ornithologists' Union, place this species in the genus Leucocarbo. Others place it in the genus Phalacrocorax.

Kererū

The kererū, also known as kūkupa, New Zealand pigeon or wood pigeon, is a species of pigeon native to New Zealand. Johann Friedrich Gmelin described the bird in 1789 as a large, conspicuous pigeon up to 50 cm (20 in) in length and 550–850 g (19–30 oz) in weight, with a white breast and iridescent green–blue plumage. Two subspecies have been recognised; the second—the Norfolk pigeon of Norfolk Island—became extinct in the early 20th century. Kererū pairs are monogamous, breeding over successive seasons and remaining together when not breeding. They construct nests with twigs in trees, with a single egg clutch.