Alternative name: Big-crested Penguin
- Eudyptes sclateri
Identification
Bluish-black above, white below. Head black with yellow crest beginning above bill-base, extending over eye and sweeping upwards, brush-like at the tip. Bill red-brown with pink fleshy margin at base, feet pinkish-white with black soles. Upturned crest is diagnostic but may appear flat when wet. Underside of flipper shows more black at tip and base than any other Eudyptes species.
Distribution
Breeds on the Bounty and Antipodes Islands to the south-east of New Zealand with a few pairs on the Campbell and Auckland Islands and breeding has been attempted on the Otago Peninsula. Disperses widely after breeding but movements little-known. Regular on coasts of New Zealand north to Cook Strait, also recorded as far north as North Cape, on the Snares Islands, Chatham Islands, Macquarie, Tasmania and southern Australia and as a vagrant in the Falkland Islands.
Taxonomy
Monotypic.
Habitat
Breeds on rocks and ledges a short distance above the high-water mark, otherwise at sea. Return to colonies from September.
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 consists of Crustaceans, small fish and squid.
Vocalisation
Voice: A deep squawking
