BirdUp · Species
Australasian Grebe
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae(Stephens, 1826)
Updated
Also known asToonbeeTingay
- Order
- PODICIPEDIFORMES
- Family
- Podicipedidae
- Genus
- Tachybaptus
At a glance
The Australasian Grebe is a medium-sized bird, about 23–27 cm long, listed as Least Concern and native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 23–27 cm
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Origin
- Native
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Very common
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does an Australasian Grebe look like?
The Australasian Grebe is a medium-sized bird, about 23–27 cm long and weighing 96–230 g, identified by its prominent pale yellow gape spot, rich chestnut facial stripe (breeding), glossy black head and neck (breeding) and bright yellow eye.
The Australasian grebe is a small waterbird common on fresh water lakes and rivers in greater Australia, New Zealand and on nearby Pacific islands. At 25–27 cm (9.8–10.6 in) in length, it is one of the smallest members of the grebe family, along with the least grebe and little grebe.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 01
Prominent pale yellow gape spot
Bright, fleshy patch at the base of the bill, becomes whitish in non-breeding plumage but always present and diagnostic.
- 02
Rich chestnut facial stripe (breeding)
Broad, colourful stripe extending from behind the eye down the sides of the neck. Entirely absent in non-breeding plumage.
- 03
Glossy black head and neck (breeding)
Contrasts sharply with the pale gape spot, yellow eye, and chestnut stripe, creating a distinctive pattern.
- 04
Bright yellow eye
Stands out clearly against the dark head plumage and is visible in all plumages.
03 · When
When to look
When can you see an Australasian Grebe?
The Australasian Grebe is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does an Australasian Grebe eat?
The Australasian Grebe feeds on fish/invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or alone.
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
6 photos
The BirdUp app
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