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The New Zealand Dabchick, Poliocephalus rufopectus, or Weweia, is a member of the grebe family endemic to New Zealand. This species was formerly present in the lowland lakes of South Island,[1] but underwent a rapid decline there (for unknown reasons) in the 19th century- the last certain breeding record for this species on South Island was in 1941[2] . On North Island it is found on the West coast on coastal lakes from North Cape to Pukekohe and from Southern Taranaki to Paraparaumu, on lakes and dams of the central plateau, Gisborne, Hawkes bay and the Wairarapa.[2] Their diet consists mostly aquatic insects and their larvae, as well as small mollusks such as freshwater snails.[1] Bigger prey such as fish and freshwater crayfish are sometimes taken.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Andrew Crowe, "Which New Zealand Bird?", Penguin, 2001
- ^ a b c Barrie Heather and Hugh Robertson, "The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand (revised edition)", Viking, 20005
