Story: Wetland birds

New Zealand dabchick preening

New Zealand dabchick preening

Grebes and dabchicks have webbing or lobes on each toe, unlike ducks, which have webbing joining their toes together. This New Zealand dabchick or weiweia is lifting one foot out of the water to preen. Dabchicks are much smaller than crested grebes, and lack the head crests and neck ruff. They have silver flecks on the head and back in the breeding season.

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Private collection
Photograph by Brian Chudleigh

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Wetland birds - Grebes and dabchicks', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14615/new-zealand-dabchick-preening (accessed 28 April 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015