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Little Penguins

Source: siuyeung ho

Scientific Name: Eudyptula minor

The Little Penguin is the smallest of all penguin species. Its other names include the Blue Penguin and the Fairy Penguin.

Estimated Population:

250,000 breeding pairs

Weight and height:

1 kg – 1.2 kg, 33 cm

Lifespan:

6-10 years

Prey/Diet:

Anchovies, pilchards, sandy sprat, krill, cephalopods, jellyfish

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Source: Shannon Derthick

Population trends:

Stable arrow

Distinguishing physical characteristics:

Feathers on head and back are blue-gray. Feet are pinkish-white, bill is dark gray. Eyes are blue.

Source: Pooja's Laboratory

Geographic Breeding Range:

Australia; New Zealand

Fun Fact:

Specially-trained guard dogs protect some colonies of Little Penguins in Australia from harmful introduced predators such as foxes.

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