Credit: Lucy Howell. 2023.
Little Penguins
Eudyptula minor
The Little Penguin is the smallest of all penguin species.
Common Name: Little Penguin, Blue Penguin, Fairy Penguin
Scientific name: Eudyptula minor
Population: 250,000 breeding pairs
Weight and height: 1 kg-1.2 kg, 33 cm
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Conservation status: Least Concern
Population Trend: Stable
Geographic Breeding Range: Australia; New Zealand
Prey/diet: Anchovies, pilchards, sandy sprat, krill, cephalopods, jellyfish
Distinguishing physical characteristics: Feathers on head and back are blue-gray. Feet are pinkish-white, bill is dark gray. Eyes are blue.
Fun Fact:
Specially-trained guard dogs protect some colonies of Little Penguins in Australia from harmful introduced predators such as foxes.
Current Conservation Status
Population trends:
Little Penguin Conservation Status:
Least Concern
Range Map:
Conservation Partners
Get more penguin information at the links below
Read through related blogs from our penguin experts for more information on Little Penguins:
Credit: Helps Pohatu Conservation Trust. 2023.
