Small ducklike bird that rides low in the water.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
Indigenous: Hoary-Headed Dabchick, Dabchick, Tom Pudding, Diver
At a glance
FamilyGrebes
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatCan form very large flocks; typically found on ponds and lakes, including estuaries.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
234672approx records
8states
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 breeding plumage note distinctive streaked head and pale neck. In non-breeding plumage it is much paler, with the dark cap extending to just below the eye (compare with Australasian Grebe).
Behavior
Can form very large flocks; typically found on ponds and lakes, including estuaries.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
Northern Territory
Tasmania
Western Australia
Victoria
New South Wales
South Australia
Australian Capital Territory