Taxonomy |
Monotypic
Identification |
One of the more distinctive
penguins. Easily identified with good views but (1) the unique yellow iris;
(2) yellow band extending from the eye to the nape and (3) pink bill tipped
with red. The crown has an attractive yellow wash streaked with black (feather
shafts). Young birds have blue-gray irids which in time turn yellow. The head
pattern develops when birds are 14-18 months old.
Where and When |
Classified as VULNERABLE. Endemic to southern New Zealand. Breeds on the east coast of South Island (Canterbury, Otago and Southlands), Stewart Island, the Aukland Islands and Campbell Island. Generally a solitary nester, using cavities under logs or bushes.
Breeding age adults are
sedentary, remaining around the breeding ground all year. The movements of subadults
(2-4 calender yrs) is poorly known but may move north of nesting grounds (Russ
and Shirihai 2000).
Literature |
Russ, R. and Shirihai, H. (2000) The birds, marine mammals, habitat and history of the subantarctic islands off New Zealand. Alula 3(6): 82-147.