Taxonomy |
Monotypic
Also known as Big-crested Penguin, Sclater's Penguin
Identification |
Video grabs of Erect-crested Penguins on the Antipodes Islands, December 2001. Copyright Angus Wilson
Adult erect-crested Penguins are readily identified on the land by their long crests which project above their heads when dry. In the water they are not easily separated from Snares Island Penguins. If seen sufficiently well, the position and size of the superciliary stripe (starts near the gape instead of the nostril) and the bold black leading edge to the underside of the flipper helps to eliminate Snares Island and Fiordland Penguins.
Where and When |
Breed on sub-Antarctic Islands south of New Zealand, mainly on the Antipodes (in tussock grass on cliffs and beaches) and Bounty Islands (on rocky beaches). Smaller numbers occur on the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island. There have been breeding records from South Island. The population is estimated at 200,000 pairs.
Molting birds, mainly juveniles,
may occur on the main islands of New Zealand.
Literature |