Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) | Photos and ID

LCLeast ConcernInvertebrates

WetlandPlatform nestMedium · 240 g

Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus), photo 4 — Photo: Liam Sultana · CC BY 4.0

ID tip

The hoary-headed grebe is a fairly small dark grey and white grebe. It has a brown eye and a black patch under the chin, and a narrow black streak down the back of the neck. During the breeding season the adult's plumage has white streaks over its entire head, giving them the common name of hoary-headed grebe. Juveniles have a white chin and throat and a striped face. Males have two plumage phases: after breeding they lose the buff breast and the white lines on the head, but can usually be identified then by the broad black bar down the nape.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Hoary-headed Grebe

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Hoary-headed Grebe

Regular range

The map shades 2 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

Australia New Zealand

About the Hoary-headed Grebe

The hoary-headed grebe is a member of the grebe family. It breeds in southern parts of Australia; it winters throughout the island of Tasmania. The bird takes its name from the silvery-white streaking on its black head. It is common in Australia, with a population of about 500,000. Its habitat is similar to that of the Australasian grebe.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

New Zealand GrebePoliocephalus rufopectusThe New Zealand grebe has dark brown plumage, a small black head with fine silver feathers, a black pointed bill and characteristic yellow eyes.

Side by side: Hoary-headed Grebe vs New Zealand Grebe

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