New Zealand dabchick  (Poliocephalus rufopectus)

Range

Occurs only in New Zealand, formerly existing on both islands, but is now found only on the North Island. The largest populations are concentrated around the regions of Rotorua and Taupo (4)

View a distribution map for this species at UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Habitat

The New Zealand dabchick can be found in small freshwater lakes and pools, or in the sheltered parts of larger lakes. It prefers shallow water with dense vegetation, and can also occur in artificial wetlands such as sewage ponds and farm water supplies. Dabchicks that are not breeding can be found on more open waters (2) (4).

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