New Zealand Grebe

The New Zealand grebe (Poliocephalus rufopectus), also known as the New Zealand dabchick or weweia, is a member of the grebe family endemic to New Zealand. == Taxonomy == Poliocephalus rufopectus is an aquatic diving bird in the grebe order. Poliocephalus rufopectus (G.R.Gray) was originally described by the English ornithologist George Robert Gray as Podiceps rufopectus G.R.Gray, 1843 (in subgenus Poliocephalus). The type specimen was collected by British botanist and scientific collector Andrew Sinclair in New Zealand. P. rufopectus is one of two species in the genus Poliocephalus, with the other being the hoary-headed grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) which is native to Australia. == Description == The New Zealand grebe has dark brown plumage, a small black head with fine silver feathers, a black pointed bill and characteristic yellow eyes. It grows to about 29 cm (11 in), and weighs about 250 g (8.8 oz). Non-breeding individuals have a paler plumage and females tend to be a bit lighter, smaller and have a slightly shorter bill than males. == Distribution and habitat == This grebe species inhabits mainly shallow freshwater lakes, ponds and sheltered inlets. Currently it is found mainly in the North Island, where it is well distributed on the…