Little Penguin Bird Facts (Eudyptula minor)

Visual Identification

Appearance

Little Penguins are the smallest penguin species, with distinctive blue and white plumage. Their upperparts are slate-blue to indigo-blue, while their underparts are white. They have a short, dark bill and pink feet with black soles.

Both sexes look similar, with juveniles having a lighter blue colouration. Their feathers may appear brown during moulting before the new blue feathers grow in.

Size

Length

30cm to 40cm

Wingspan

43cm to 55cm

Weight

1000g to 1.2kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Blue White

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Pink Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Little Penguin can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Little Penguin is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Little Penguins inhabit coastal areas of southern Australia, including Tasmania, and New Zealand. They prefer rocky shores, islands, and beaches with suitable vegetation for nesting.

While they are present year-round in their range, some populations may disperse more widely outside the breeding season. In Australia, significant colonies can be found in Victoria and South Australia.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Little Penguin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Australia New Zealand

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Chile

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Whilst clumsy on land, Little Penguins are remarkably agile swimmers, capable of 'flying' underwater at speeds up to 6 km/h and executing precise movements to catch swift-moving prey. Their underwater manoeuvrability and diving capabilities (up to 20m deep) demonstrate exceptional aquatic agility.

Strength 45

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

For their small size (30-40cm), Little Penguins exhibit moderate strength, enabling them to catch fish and swim effectively. However, as the smallest penguin species weighing only 1-1.2kg, their absolute strength is limited compared to larger seabirds.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These penguins show strong adaptability through their ability to nest in various coastal environments (burrows, rock crevices, or vegetation), successful breeding in both natural and monitored colonies, and capacity to adjust foraging patterns based on food availability and breeding demands.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Little Penguins display relatively low aggression levels, typically being social birds that forage in groups and live colonially. Whilst they may defend their nests and exhibit territorial behaviour during breeding season, they're not notably aggressive compared to other seabirds.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Their endurance is evidenced by their ability to conduct extended foraging trips up to 20km from shore, spending hours swimming and diving for food. They maintain these energy-intensive activities throughout the breeding season whilst caring for chicks, demonstrating solid stamina for their size.

Diet

Little Penguins primarily feed on small schooling fish such as anchovies, sardines, and squid. They are pursuit divers, catching prey by swimming at high speeds underwater. Their foraging trips can last several hours and extend up to 20 km from the shore during breeding season.

Behaviour

Little Penguins are excellent swimmers, using their flippers to 'fly' underwater at speeds up to 6 km/h. They are social birds, often foraging in small groups during the day and returning to their colonies at dusk in what's known as a 'penguin parade'. On land, they waddle with an upright posture and can be quite vocal in their colonies.

Vocalisation

Little Penguins are quite vocal, especially in their breeding colonies. Their calls include a high-pitched trumpeting sound often described as a 'braying' call, similar to a donkey's.

They also make softer contact calls, described as 'grunts' or 'growls', when interacting with mates or chicks.

Nesting & Breeding

Little Penguins typically form monogamous pairs and breed annually. The breeding season varies by location but generally occurs between August and February.

Nests are built in burrows, rock crevices, or under dense vegetation, often lined with grass and feathers. Females lay two eggs, which are pale white and slightly pointed at one end.

Both parents share incubation duties for about 35 days. Both parents feed chicks and fledge after 7-9 weeks, becoming independent at about 10-11 weeks old.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While listed as Least Concern globally, Little Penguins face localised threats from habitat loss, introduced predators, and climate change impacts on their food supply.

Conservation efforts include predator control, habitat protection, and the establishment of monitored breeding colonies in some areas.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

469,760 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Visit coastal areas in southern Australia or New Zealand at dusk to observe their return from the sea
Look for their distinctive blue colouration and small size compared to other penguins
Listen for their high-pitched vocalisations in breeding colonies
Respect viewing guidelines and maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Blue Penguin, Fairy Penguin

Family:

Spheniscidae

Average Lifespan

6 to 7 years

Max Lifespan

42.2 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include introduced species such as foxes and cats on land, and seals, sharks, and large fish in the water.

Did You Know?

Little Penguins are the only penguin species that breed in Australia.
They can dive up to 20 meters deep when foraging for food.
Some Little Penguin colonies have become popular tourist attractions, contributing to local economies.

References

1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Eudyptula minor (errata version published in 2021). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697805A202126091.
View source
3
report: Cannel et al. 2016; Chiaradia 2013, Dann 2013
4
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source