Australasian Grebe

Tachybaptus novaehollandiae is a small water bird with two distinct plumage phases. The plumage of male and female non-breeding birds is dark gray-brown on the upper body. The underside is mostly silver gray, with a white oval spot at the base of the beak. During breeding (breeding season), males and females have a dark brown color on the upper body. Glossy black head and striking chestnut-colored facial outline that extends from behind the eyes to the base of the neck. The eyes are yellow and the patch of skin at the base of the beak becomes pale yellow and is more visible.