Fiordland Penguin - Eudyptes Pachyrhynchus
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Distinguishing features
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Fiordland penguins are quite similar to Snares penguins. They can be
distinguished readily by the thin white streaks on the cheeks.
Chicks have grey brown backs with white fronts. |
| Alternative names |
Fiordland penguins are sometimes referred to as "Fiordland crested
penguins" and also "Thick-billed penguins". The Maori name for the
Fiordland penguin is Tauake. |
Height
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Fiordland penguins stand 50 to 55 cm tall. |
Weight
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Fiordland penguins weigh around 3 to 4 kg with significant variations
during the year. |
Breeding locations
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Fiordland penguins breed on the south west coast of South Island, New
Zealand and on Stewart Island. Estimates of the total breeding population
vary. In 1984 there were estimated to be 5,000 to 10,000 pairs, but a more
recent study (1991 to 1993) suggests there may be fewer than 1,000 pairs. |
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Nesting behaviour
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Fiordland penguins are solitary, they make nests in soft ground in
dense undergrowth, well apart from one another. Nests can be a long distance
from the shore and 100m above sea level. Two eggs are laid but usually
only one chick is raised. The egg is incubated for 30 to 36 days with the
parents taking turns on the nest (in long 5 to 12 day shifts). After hatching
the male stays with the chick for 2 to 3 weeks while the female provides
food. Chicks are then left either alone or in loose creches while both
parents bring food daily. Chicks moult and go to sea when about 75 days
old. |
Principal diet
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Little is known about the diet of Fiordland penguins. The only study
(of adults feeding chicks) suggests a diet of 85% squid with the remainder
made up of crustaceans and fish. |
