Bird guideAustralasian Grebe

In non-breeding plumage it is much paler, with the dark cap not extending below the eye (compare with Hoary-headed Grebe).

⚠️Not listed
🍃Indigenous: Dhiinbin, Australian Little Grebe, Australian Dabchick, Little Grebe, Black-Throated Dabchick, Black-Throated Diver, White-Bellied Diver, Diver, Red-Necked Grebe, Dabchick

At a glance

FamilyGrebes
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatCan be abundant; typically on freshwater ponds and lakes.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by Marc Anderson

Range map

Range map

9444visible hotspots
475214visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

In non-breeding plumage it is much paler, with the dark cap not extending below the eye (compare with Hoary-headed Grebe).

Behavior

Small ducklike bird that rides low in the water. Can be abundant; typically on freshwater ponds and lakes.

Regional timing

Western Australia
Peak: January to December48,400 records
New South Wales
Peak: March to November108,323 records
Northern Territory
Peak: July to November12,806 records
South Australia
Peak: January to December22,568 records
Queensland
Peak: May to October121,277 records
Victoria
Peak: January to October133,350 records
Tasmania
Peak: January to July3,162 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: March to October26,338 records
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