The Fiordland Penguin is a member of the crested group of penguins. In New Zealand, these birds are commonly referred to by their Maori name, tawaki.
Common Name: Fiordland Penguin; Tawaki
Scientific name: Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
Population: 1,500-5,000 breeding pairs
Weight and height: 3.0 kg – 4.5 kg and 55 cm
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Conservation status: Near-Threatened
Population Trend: Decreasing
Geographic Breeding Range: New Zealand
Prey/diet: Cephalopods, crusteceans, fish

Fiordland Penguin
Photo Source: Francesco Veronesi from Italy [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]
Distinguishing physical characteristics: Wide yellow crests on the head narrow to a fine point near the bill. Thin white stripes can sometimes be seen on the cheeks. The bill is heavy and orange-brown in color. Feet and legs are pinkish, eyes are brownish red.
Interesting tidbit about Fiordland Penguins: They have an open ocean habitat. They will spend up to 75% of their lives in the ocean during the winter. As a result barnacles often attach themselves to the penguin’s tail.
Get more penguin information at the links below
Read through related blogs from our penguin experts for more information on Fiordland Penguins:
.
.