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

Poliocephalus rufopectus is an aquatic diving bird in the grebe order. The type specimen was collected by British botanist and scientific collector Andrew Sinclair in New Zealand. P. rufopectus is one of two species in the genus Poliocephalus, with the other being the hoary-headed grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) which is native to Australia.

Description

The New Zealand grebe has dark brown plumage, a small black head with fine silver feathers, a black pointed bill and characteristic yellow eyes. It grows to about , and weighs about .

Distribution and habitat

This grebe species inhabits mainly shallow freshwater lakes, ponds and sheltered inlets.

Formerly this species was also present in the lowland lakes of the South Island, but underwent a rapid decline, for unknown reasons, in the 19th century – the last regular breeding record in the South Island was in 1941. In 2012 a pair bred near Takaka for the first time in recent history.

Behaviour

These freshwater diving birds usually fly only at night, whilst during the day, they are always found in the water, swimming on the surface and frequently diving to feed. Thus, if they are in danger or get disturbed at daytime they do not flee by flying, but swimming or diving away. During autumn and winter, they are found forming flocks, while during the breeding season they are mostly seen in monogamous pairs. They show aggressive territorial behaviour towards intruders

Diet

thumb|230px|Adult grebe with insect

Their diet consists mostly of aquatic insects and their larvae, as well as small molluscs such as freshwater snails. So, although the population is still quite small it is thought to no longer be in decline.

References

  • Poliocephalus rufopectus discussed on RNZ Critter of the Week, 22 March 2024
  • New Zealand dabchick at New Zealand Birds Online