The New Zealand Dabchick, also known as Weweia, is one of our smaller freshwater birds and is often seen quietly diving beneath the surface of ponds and wetlands in search of insects and aquatic life.

 

Excellent swimmers and divers, Dabchicks can disappear underwater for surprisingly long periods before resurfacing metres away from where they vanished.

 

Healthy wetlands and quiet waterways provide important habitat for these fascinating birds.

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