Fiordland Crested Penguin
or Thick-billed Penguin
Scientific Name: Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
Size
Fiordlands are about 20 to 28 inches (50 to 70cm) tall. They weigh 9 pounds
(4kg).
Where are they found?
Fiordlands are found on Sub-antarctic islands and the mainland of New Zealand.
They spend the winter at sea, coming ashore in July.
What do they eat?
Fiordlands feed on small fish, crustaceans and Cuttlefish
Main Predators
The Fiordlands main predators are Cats, Stoats, Ferrets and Dogs.
Highlights
Their crest starts at the nostrils and extends not much behind the eye.
No nest is built; the two pale-green eggs are laid in July in caves or in
deep cavities beneath tree-roots in coastal forest. The incubation period is
about 6 weeks.
They are nocturnal on land. They probably spend a lot of time in caves and
secluded places in order to get away from the unwelcome Sandflies.
Chicks remain in the nest cave for as much as 7 months and reach full adult
plumage at twelve months.
Back To Top Of Page
Back To Main Menu