Fiordland Penguin

The Fiordland Penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus) is a penguin from New Zealand. It breeds on several islands off the south coast of South Island, including Stewart Island.

This is a medium-sized, yellow-crested, black-and-white penguin, growing to approximately 60cm. It has dark, bluish-grey upperparts with a darker head, and white underparts. It has a broad, yellow eyebrow-stripe which extends over the eye and drops down the neck. Most birds have 3-6 whitish stripes on the face.

This penguin nests in colonies in dense temperate forest. It feeds on krill, fish, octopus and squid.

The current status of this penguin is vulnerable due to its small population of about 5000. It is under threat from introduced predators including the Weka, dogs, cats, stoats and rats.

External link

• Fiordland penguins from the International Penguin Conservation Web Site