Little Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Sphenisciformes · Spheniscidae
About
The little penguin is the smallest species of penguin in the world, and originates from New Zealand and Australia. It is commonly known as the fairy penguin, little blue penguin, or blue penguin, owing to its slate-blue plumage and is also known by its Māori name kororā. It is a marine neritic species that dives for food throughout the day and returns to burrows on the shore at dusk. Eudyptula minor feathers are dense in melanosomes, which increase water resistance and give them their unique blue colour.
Fun Fact
Little Penguins—the world's smallest penguin at just 33 cm—parade ashore each evening at dusk and can be watched from special viewing platforms in Australia and New Zealand.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Range is quite limited in terms of distance from shore when compared to seabirds that can fly.
Diet
Feed on a diet ranging from small schooling fish, to cephalopods, krill, and microzooplankton.
Lifespan
25 years (captivity)
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance