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- Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
Fiordland Crested Penguin (New Zealand Crested, Victoria Penguin
Identification
Bluish-black above, white below. Head bluish-black with broad yellow crest beginning above bill-base and extending over the eye and drooping downwards at the rear. Also has diagnostic whitish streaks on dark cheeks. Bill red-brown, feet pinkish-white above with black soles.
Length 51-70cm.
Distribution
New Zealand and offshore islands. Breeds on the west coast of Stewart Island, Codfish and the Solander Islands, and around the south of South Island from Okarito southwards in the west and Otago southwards in the east. Has attempted to breed further north in Cook Strait. Pelagic after breeding and regularly wanders to seas off southern Australia and Tasmania and south to Snares Island.
Taxonomy
Habitat
Breeds in coastal forest, otherwise at sea. Present at colonies July-early March but seldom seen above ground during the day.
Behaviour
Solitary or loosely colonial breeder in caves and holes among tree-roots. Eggs: two, greenish-white, laid in July, second (71 x 55mm) usually larger than first (67 x 52mm). Incubated for about 42 days by both sexes. Young fed by both sexes and remain in nest hole for up to 7 months. Attain adult plumage at 12 months. DIET Crustaceans, small fish and squid
