Grebes   Family Podicipedidae

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

There are only four records of the Australasian Grebe in the Garden Bird Survey, although they can often be seen on lakes and dams in Canberra.

Australasian Grebes are resident in the ACT and breed where there is permanent water. They feed by diving for small fish, pond snails, insects and small crustacea.

The Hoary-headed Grebe is also seen locally, and occasionally, the Great Crested Grebe

 

 

 

 

Darter   Family Anhingidae

Darter Anhinga melanogaster

The Darter is less common, although it can be found in small numbers at Jerrabomberra Wetlands or adjacent reaches of the Molonglo River. None are birds of garden areas, but are sometimes seen at survey sites next to water or as they fly over the suburbs. The Darter was recorded only twice.

 

 

Cormorants   Family Phalacrocoracidae

Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

 

Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

Cormorants are found locally in many bodies of water. The Great Cormorant, the largest of the three local cormorants, is the only species recorded every year, possibly as it is more easily observed in its flight.

These birds dive and swim underwater to catch fish and other aquatic animals. They are often seen perching in dead trees, or on banks or dam walls, where they open out their wings to dry their feathers.

Survey records of these birds vary, largely because of changing survey sites and their closeness to urban lakes. The Little Pied Cormorant was recorded in greater numbers during cooler months

The Great Cormorant (40 records) was more often seen than the Little Pied Cormorant (21) and Little Black Cormorant (14).

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
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