Great Grebe vs Australasian Grebe

Podiceps major compared with Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Great Grebe Australasian Grebe
Scientific Name Podiceps major Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Order Podicipediformes Podicipediformes
Family Podicipedidae Podicipedidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 36.3 cm (14.3 in) 20.4 cm (8.0 in)
Weight 1388.5 g (48.98 oz) 190.5 g (6.72 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3-6 1-9
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Great Grebe only

None

Australasian Grebe only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Great Grebe

Least Concern

Australasian Grebe

About These Birds

Great Grebe

Great Grebe (Podiceps major) is the largest New World grebe at 70–77 cm. Long neck with chestnut-red sides in breeding plumage; dark brown above; long pointed bill. Inhabits large freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal bays along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of South America from Peru and Brazil to Argentina. Feeds on fish by diving.

Australasian Grebe

Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) is a small 23–25 cm grebe of Australia, New Guinea, and many Pacific islands. Dark brown in breeding plumage with rich chestnut face sides and pale spot at base of bill. Inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow rivers. Very common across Australia.

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