Australasian Grebe

Tachybaptus novaehollandiae(Stephens, 1826)

Also known asToonbeeTingay

Least ConcernNative

Order: PODICIPEDIFORMES
Family: Podicipedidae
Genus: Tachybaptus

Conservation: Least Concern
Commonness: Very common
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

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.

Field specs

Length: 23–27 cm
Weight: 95.6–230 g
Wingspan: 38 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

When approached, it typically dives abruptly to escape and resurfaces a distance away rather than taking flight.
Watch for adults carrying small, zebra-striped chicks on their backs, often tucked securely beneath their slightly raised wings.

flight

Look for conspicuous white patches on the trailing edge of the inner wings that are visible only when the bird is in flight.

plumage

In breeding plumage, look for a rich chestnut stripe behind the eye and a yellow facial spot; the spot turns white and the chestnut fades in non-breeding birds.

size_and_shape

Note the compact, rounded profile and the 'tail-less' silhouette with a soft, fluffy rear end.

voice

Listen for a loud, high-pitched chattering trill, often described as a rapid, metallic rattling sound.

02 · Where

Where to find it

Breeding range: OR, AU : Java, Sangihe and Talaud is. (north of Sulawesi), Timor (east Lesser Sundas), New Guinea, south-east Bismarck Arch., Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Rennell (south Solomon Is.)
Non-breeding range: Resident/Dispersive

03 · When