Hoary-Headed Grebe
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
About This Species
Look for this small grebe on open freshwater lakes, lagoons and reservoirs across southern Australia, often in loose groups, where its pale streaked head and pale eye distinguish it from similar grebes at a distance. It dives frequently for aquatic invertebrates and small fish and can gather in larger numbers on productive wetlands after good rains. Cooler months and periods of higher water levels after rain tend to bring the best concentrations.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- View from the shoreline with binoculars or a scope rather than approaching by boat into open water where groups are resting or feeding, since flocks can flush and scatter energy needlessly.
- Wildlife protection in Australia is largely a state matter, so specific rules differ between jurisdictions and it is worth checking the relevant state's regulations rather than assuming a single national rule.
- Avoid disturbing floating nest platforms among emergent vegetation during breeding.
LCAvesPodicipediformesPodicipedidae
Seasonal Activity
231,318 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Podicipediformes
- Family
- Podicipedidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.