- Australasian Grebe
Taxobox
name = Australasian Grebe
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
image_caption = Breeding plumage
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Podicipediformes
familia =Podicipedidae
genus = "Tachybaptus "
species = "T. novaehollandiae"
binomial = "Tachybaptus novaehollandiae"
binomial_authority = Stephens, 1826The Australasian Grebe, "Tachybaptus novaehollandiae" is a tiny
waterbird common on fresh water lakes and rivers in greater Australia,New Zealand and on nearby Pacific islands. At 25-27 cm in length, it is one of the smallest members of the "grebe" family (see also Little,Least Grebe ).It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and usually dives immediately when alarmed and swims away under water.
Identification
Breeding plumage
:Both sexes are dark brown above with a glossy-black head and neck and a striking chestnut facial stripe, extending from behind the eye to the base of the neck. The eye is yellow, with a prominent pale yellow face spot below.
Non-breeding
:Both are generally duller, with no chestnut stripe, the face spot whiter, and throat and front grey-white. Similar to non-breeding
Hoary-headed Grebe s, which share a similar range.Gallery
References
* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
External links
* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3629&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet]
* [http://www.redlist.org/search/details.php?species=49522 IUCN Red List]
* [http://www.amonline.net.au/factSheets/australasian_grebe.htm Australian Museum fact sheet]
* [http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/especie.phtml?idEspecie=81 Video at the Internet Bird Collection]
* [http://www.zardec.net.au/keith/grebes.htm A pictorial essay of nesting Grebes]
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