THE LITTLE BLUE PENGUIN
WHAT IS IT?
The Little blue penguin is one of the smallest penguins
in the world. The other names for the Little Blue Penguin is blue penguin, fairy
penguin, white-flippered penguin and kororā. In Australia it is called the Fairy Penguin.
It weighs 1 kg. It is 40 - 45 cm tall. The Māori name for the Little Blue Penguin is Kororā.
The scientific name for the Little Blue Penguin is Eudyptula minor. They are also nocturnal.
in the world. The other names for the Little Blue Penguin is blue penguin, fairy
penguin, white-flippered penguin and kororā. In Australia it is called the Fairy Penguin.
It weighs 1 kg. It is 40 - 45 cm tall. The Māori name for the Little Blue Penguin is Kororā.
The scientific name for the Little Blue Penguin is Eudyptula minor. They are also nocturnal.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
They are medium blue to dark indigo-blue .
It has a blue back and a white stomach. It has little short feet and cannot fly.
They have sharp claws. They have 2 flippers and 2 feet.
It has a blue back and a white stomach. It has little short feet and cannot fly.
They have sharp claws. They have 2 flippers and 2 feet.
HABITAT
They are found in a lot of different places like the North island, South island,
\Stewart island and Chatham islands. In Australia it is found in Western Australia along the
southern coast and up to New South Wales. They nest in burrows, caves, in between rock
crevices and sometimes they can be found under bushes and trees.
\Stewart island and Chatham islands. In Australia it is found in Western Australia along the
southern coast and up to New South Wales. They nest in burrows, caves, in between rock
crevices and sometimes they can be found under bushes and trees.
FEEDING BEHAVIOR
They eat little fish especially sardines (pilchards).
They also feed on anchovies and also squid and usually crustaceans.
They also feed on anchovies and also squid and usually crustaceans.
REPRODUCTION
The breeding season begins any time from late June to September.
Usually they lay 2 eggs 3 days apart and incubate for 33-37 days.
They nest in burrows, caves and sometimes under trees and bushes.
Usually they lay 2 eggs 3 days apart and incubate for 33-37 days.
They nest in burrows, caves and sometimes under trees and bushes.
THREATS
The threats to the Little Blue Penguin is dogs, cats and ferrets. Little penguins
at sea are at risk of entanglement in set nets. They are disturbed by humans
coming into their nests and breeding areas.
at sea are at risk of entanglement in set nets. They are disturbed by humans
coming into their nests and breeding areas.
By Charlie
