The little blue penguin, aka the fairy penguin, is the smallest species of penguin in the world. Fairy penguins live in the cold southern seas of Australia and New Zealand. These faithful little penguins are also predominantly monogamous (mate for life). However, there have been cases where the couple will split up. But it’s not normal for this to happen. They also typically tolerate human company, like tourists and care givers at zoos.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Eudyptula minor
Weight: Up to 3.3 lbs.
Height: Up to 13 inches
Lifespan: Up to 6 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) They dive up to 235 feet to catch fish and, like most penguins, they swallow their food whole. Little piglets!
2.) Their main foods of choice are anchovies, plankton, squid, krill, pilchards, and small octopus. They also eat sea floor crustaceans and sea horses.
3.) Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs. They also both assist in rearing the young.
4.) In New Zealand these cute critters are called little blue penguins or just blue penguins due to their plumage color. The New Zealand Maori call them Korora.
5.) The main predators of these penguins are sharks, fur seals, leopard seals, sea lions, and orcas. Land based predators include eagles and large gulls. Man-made hazards include plastic, oil spills, vehicles, and gill nets.
But wait, there’s more on the fairy penguin!
6.) A group of penguins is called a raft.
7.) Fairy penguins dig burrows or make nests in between rocks to lay their 2 eggs.
Did you know…?
They can only swim up to 1.6 mph.
8.) Little penguins may have 1 – 3 broods (clutches) in a season.
Now a Short Fairy Penguin Video!
Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel. Videos added frequently!
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