Poliocephalus rufopectus (G.R.Gray, 1843)

Plumage and Head Features

This species, the New Zealand grebe, has dark brown plumage, a small black head marked with fine silver feathers, a black pointed bill, and characteristic yellow eyes.

Adult Size and Weight

Adults grow to approximately 29 cm (11 inches) in length and weigh around 250 g (8.8 oz).

Non-breeding and Sexual Dimorphism

Non-breeding individuals have paler plumage, and females are typically slightly lighter in weight, smaller in size, and have a marginally shorter bill than males.

Primary Habitat

The New Zealand grebe primarily inhabits shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, and sheltered inlets.

Current North Island Distribution

Today, it is found mainly across the North Island: it is well distributed in coastal lakes along the West coast from North Cape to Pukekohe, and from Taranaki to Paraparaumu, and also occurs on ponds of the Volcanic Plateau, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa.

Historical South Island Decline

Historically, this species was also present in the lowland lakes of the South Island, but underwent a rapid unexplained decline during the 19th century.

South Island Breeding Records

The last regular breeding record for the species in the South Island was in 1941, and a pair bred near Takaka in 2012, the first such recorded breeding in the region in recent history.