Australasian Grebe

1. Breeding plumage: Glossy black head with chestnut facial stripes; non-breeding: grey-brown overall

2. Bright yellow eyes and a small yellow patch at the base of the bill

3. Excellent diver, often disappearing underwater when alarmed

Australasian grebes are master divers, able to adjust their buoyancy for efficient underwater movement. They breed from September to November, building floating nests anchored to aquatic vegetation. Both parents care for the chicks, which often ride on their backs in the initial weeks after hatching. Their population in New Zealand is small but growing.

Look for Australasian grebes on small, shallow freshwater lakes, sand dune lakes, and farm ponds. They're most active during daylight hours, often seen swimming low in the water or diving for food. Focus your search in Northland, Auckland, and the Rotorua Lakes area. Listen for their distinctive "laughing" trill, which can help locate these sometimes elusive birds.