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Home » Species » Podicipediformes » Podicipedidae » Tachybaptus » Tachybaptus novaehollandiae - Stephens, 1826
Species
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Stephens, 1826
Nomenclature
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Family: PodicipedidaeGenus: Tachybaptus
Species:
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Stephens, 1826
Usage:
valid
Vernacular names:
Vernacular name:
Australasian Grebe, Austral(as)ian (Little)/Black throated Grebe, Dabchick
SUMMARY
A small waterbird with two distinct plumage phases. The non-breeding plumage of both the male and female is dark grey-brown above and mostly silver-grey below, with a white oval patch of bare skin at the base of the bill. During the breeding season, both sexes have a glossy-black head and a rich chestnut facial stripe which extends from just behind the eye through to the base of the neck. At this time, the eye becomes darker and the patch of skin at the base of the bill becomes pale yellow and more noticeable. When approached, Australasian Grebes usually dive under water.