Birds of Importance around Lake Serpentine
Also known as the "Weweia"
Where are they found?
This small member of the grebe family is a threatened endemic bird found only in New Zealand's North Island, it has a total population of less than 2000 individuals. Despite its sparse distribution, they are fairly easy to find in sheltered bays of the lakes around Taupo and Rotorua, often in pairs or family groups amongst New Zealand scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae). They can also be found on lakes, farm ponds throughout much of North Island.
FACTS
- Like all grebes they are aquatic specialists and spend virtually all their time on (or under) water. Propelled by large lobed feet they often surface a surprising distance from where they dived.
- Foods include aquatic insects and larvae such as water-boatmen and dragonflies, and freshwater snails, crayfish and small fish. Dabchicks search for food underwater, sometimes starting their dive with a forward leap. They also feed on the surface, dipping their head underwater and sweeping it from side to side.
- The nesting season is from August through to March. The bulky nest is floating raft, usually anchored to rushes or some trailing branch. Chicks can swim and dive soon after hatching and can often be seen riding on their parents backs.
- New Zealand dabchicks need clear-water lakes and ponds surrounded by dense riparian cover (Dense undisturbed bank edges with both shade, grasses and woody plants - acts as a natural filtration system to the surrounding lands.