The Hoary-headed Grebe prefers salty and brackish water, and can be found in the estuaries of the Thompson Creek and Spring Creek and the salty marshes around Breamlea. It is sometimes seen on farm dams. It feeds underwater catching small fish, crustaceans and water plants.

Unlike ducks, its feet are not totally webbed, but have lobes on each toe. The white head feathers are missing in winter. It breeds in colonies in shallow water, on a floating nest made from reeds and water plants. It lays four greenish-white eggs, becoming dark brown towards hatching. Hoary-headed Grebes like to sunbake.

Size: 250mm

Photos: 1st Mark Trinham, 2nd Trevor Prescott. Illustration Mark Trinham