Australasian crested grebe/kāmana

Australasian crested grebe/kamana. Photo: M F Soper.

Australasian crested grebe

The handsome Australasian crested grebe or kāmana belongs to an ancient order of diving water birds found on every continent in the world. It is renowned for its mating displays and the way young grebes ride among plumage on the back of their swimming parents. Three of the 22 species in this order have become extinct in the last 30 years.
Australasian crested grebe on nest, Lake Alexandrina. Photo: Peter Reese/

Facts about the Australasian crested grebe

Māori call the birds kāmana, and regard them as taonga/treasure.

Australasian crested grebe on nest. Photo G R Chance.

Threats to the Australasian crested grebe

The main threats to crested grebes are predators and habitat loss.

Australasian crested grebe. Photo: G R Chance.

DOC's work the Australasian crested grebe

A refuge for crested grebes/kāmana

Lake Forsyth. Photo: Joy Burt.

You can help the Australasian crested grebe

Learn what to do when visiting grebe habitat.

 
 

Find out more

Publication
Tree planting for attracting native birds
Publication
Threatened species classifications
Information

Birds of prey - Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ

Contact

DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number

Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings

 

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