We will explain the characteristics, habitat, size, breeding, etc. of little penguins. They are called fairy penguins or blue penguins and can be seen in Australia and New Zealand. Australia has a penguin parade, so if you’re interested, go check it out.
Basic information about little penguins
Little penguins, also known as little penguins, fairy penguins, or blue penguins, are the world’s smallest penguins and are loved and cute. The body length is 36-42cm and the weight is about 1kg. It is classified as a bird.
| Japanese（和名） | コガタペンギン |
| English（英名） | Little Penguin / Fairy Penguin / Blue Penguin |
| scientific name(学名) | Eudyptula minor |
| classification（分類） | Sphenisciformes, Spheniscidae, Eudyptula ペンギン目ペンギン科コガタペンギン属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Height（身長） | 36 – 42cm |
| Weight（体重） | 1kg |
What’s going on in taxonomy?
The little penguin was first publicly described in writing by German naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster in 1781. Several subspecies are known, but their exact classification is still controversial. Little penguins and white-bellied penguins were once thought to be the same species, but in recent years they have come to be considered different species.
Classification of the Little Penguin
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Sphenisciformes
Family: Spheniscidae
Genus: Eudyptula
Species: Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)
Why are they called fairy penguins?
“Fairy penguins” is another name for the little penguin (Eudyptula minor). There are several reasons for the name.
- Small size
Known as the smallest penguin in the world, they measure approximately 33-43 cm in length and weigh 1-1.5 kg.
They are nicknamed “fairy-like penguins” because of their small and adorable appearance.
- Cute appearance
With a bluish back and white belly, they have a more adorable appearance than other penguins.
Their feather color, walking style, and the way they hide in their burrows also make them look like little fairies.
- Behavioral characteristics
They are nocturnal and have the habit of returning to their burrows after sunset.
Their small size and quick movements have given them the image of “forest fairies.”
In summary, they are called “Fairy Penguins” in English-speaking countries because they are small, cute, move lightly, and look like fairies.
Why They’re Called Blue Penguins
“Blue Penguin” is another name for the Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor). The name primarily comes from its body color.
- Feather Color
The feathers on their backs and wings are bluish-gray to blue.
The contrast with their white undersides makes them appear blue when they swim.
This blue color directly contributes to their name, “Blue Penguin.”
- How They’re Called in English
In English-speaking countries, Little Penguins are commonly called Blue Penguins or Little Penguins.
They’re also known as “Fairy Penguins,” but this is primarily a nickname describing their small, cute appearance.
- Summary
The name “Blue Penguin” comes from the blue feathers on their backs.
The same species is called Blue Penguin, Little Penguin, or Fairy Penguin depending on the region and context.
About the habitat of little penguins
Little penguins live in the southern regions of Australia, including Melbourne. They also live in New Child Land. Adult birds are sedentary and form colonies. They primarily settle on the coast and spend most of their time at sea.
Geographic Distribution
Coastal South Australia
Commonly found along the coasts of Victoria and South Australia.
Also breeds on islands surrounding Tasmania.
Throughout New Zealand
Found scattered along the coasts and small islands of the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island.
They build burrows in rocky areas and sandy beaches along the coastline.
Surrounding small islands and protected areas
Parts of their habitat are protected by national parks and nature reserves.
Habitat
Terrestrial: Builds burrows among rocks, in holes in sandy beaches, or in coastal vegetation.
Aquatic: Feeds on fish and krill in shallow coastal waters.
Living close to the sea, they live a life of moving between land and sea.
Characteristics
Nocturnal, returning to their burrows after sunset.
They primarily forage at sea during the winter and spend the breeding season in their burrows.
The habitat is vulnerable to human activity and introduced predators (cats and rats).
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The little penguin is the smallest species of penguin, a very cute animal with a body length of about 36-43cm and a weight of just 1kg. Its head and back are a dark bluish-gray color, while its front is white and covered in gray fur. Its beak is entirely black. Unlike other penguins, it does not walk upright but has a habit of walking with a slightly forward-leaning posture, making it thought to be perhaps the most primitive species of penguin.
Body Shape/Size
One of the world’s smallest penguins
Body Length: Approximately 33-43 cm
Weight: Approximately 1-1.5 kg
Small and lightweight, with a streamlined body well-suited for swimming
Feather Color
Back and Wings: Bluish-gray to blue (hence the name “blue penguin”).
Belly: White
This color contrast helps them remain inconspicuous in the water and protect them from predators.
Behavior/Habits
Excellent Swimmers: Prey on fish and krill at high speeds.
Nocturnal: Return from the sea to their burrows after sunset.
Social Life: Form colonies and breed in densely packed burrows.
Reproduction/Sociality
Burrows: Among rocks, in holes on sandy beaches, under vegetation, etc.
Pair Formation: Often monogamous, sometimes breeding with the same partner year after year.
Parent-Offspring Recognition: Recognize parent and offspring by their calls and body patterns.
Other Characteristics
Due to their small size and cuteness, they are also known as “fairy penguins.”
They cannot fly, instead using their wings to swim underwater.
They are sensitive to predators and environmental changes, so protecting their burrows and habitats is important.
Molting in Little Penguins
Molting is a crucial period for little penguins, as old feathers fall out and new ones grow in.
Characteristics of Molting
It usually occurs once a year.
It often begins after the breeding season ends.
The duration is approximately 2-3 weeks.
During this time, they lose their waterproof feathers and are unable to go out to sea to forage.
Before Molting
In preparation for molting, little penguins eat large amounts of fish to accumulate fat. Their weight can increase by 20-50%.
During Molting
Their feathers fall out in patches, making them look shaggy.
They spend more time resting on land.
They fast, resulting in significant weight loss.
After Molting
Their new feathers are highly waterproof and insulating, allowing them to go out to sea to forage again.
Little penguins are the world’s smallest penguins and are mainly found in southern Australia and New Zealand. Molting is a very delicate period for them, so it is important to maintain a safe distance when observing wild individuals.
Little Penguin Diving
Little penguins are the world’s smallest penguins, but they possess excellent diving abilities.
Diving Characteristics
Typical Diving Depth
Generally, it’s around 10-30 meters.
They dive to search for small fish and squid, which are their prey.
Maximum Diving Depth
There are records of them diving to over 60 meters.
Some studies have reported reaching nearly 70 meters.
Dive Duration
Usually, it’s about 20-60 seconds.
They can sometimes dive for over 1.5 minutes.
Swimming Speed
They swim by flapping their wings, earning them the nickname “birds that fly in the sea.”
Cruising Speed: Approximately 4-6 km/h
They can swim even faster for short periods.
Little Penguin Calls
Little penguins are small, but they have surprisingly loud and distinctive calls.
Characteristics of their calls
They make low, resonant sounds like “Gyaah,” “Aoo,” and “Buoo.”
Their calls sometimes sound more like the howling of a donkey or dog than typical bird songs.
At night, the entire colony calls to each other, creating a very lively atmosphere.
Why do they call?
① To find a mate
During the breeding season, they call to let their partners know their location.
② To locate the nest
Parent penguins returning from the sea use calls to find their nest and chicks in the dark.
③ To assert territory
They make threatening calls when other penguins get too close.
④ Parent-offspring communication
Chicks also use calls to identify their parents and beg for food.
Seasonal Activities
Little penguins’ activities vary greatly with the seasons. Their habitat, southern Australia and New Zealand, is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are reversed compared to Japan.
Spring (September-November)
Breeding season begins
More individuals return to the colony
Pairing and nest building occur
Courtship through vocalizations becomes more active
Egg-laying begins
They spend more time on land during this period.
Summer (December-February)
Peak of breeding season
Egg hatching
Feeding chicks
They go out to sea daily to forage for food
Parent birds are extremely busy
They often forage at sea during the day and return to the nest in the evening or at night.
Autumn (March-May)
Fledging and molting preparation
Chicks become independent
Breeding activity ends
They accumulate body fat in preparation for molting
Foraging time at sea increases
Many individuals “stockpile” food before molting.
Winter (June-August)
Molting and Recovery
Molting period: when feathers are replaced with new ones.
Spending several weeks on land.
After molting, foraging in the sea again.
Recovering strength for the next breeding season.
During molting, they cannot enter the sea due to loss of water resistance and are almost completely fasting.
What is your personality like?
Little penguins have a very ferocious personality. This is because they have many external enemies due to their small size, so they cannot survive unless they are treated with a strong attitude. Therefore, until you get used to it to a certain extent, if you touch it easily, you will be bitten by its beak. In the wild, they are not surprised when they see large humans.
Social and Cooperative
Social life is the norm: they form colonies and breed in densely packed areas.
They sometimes cooperate with other penguins and engage in huddling behavior (huddling together to keep warm).
They have a strong sense of camaraderie and are easily stressed when isolated.
Timid and Cautious
Because their small size makes them vulnerable to predators, they are extremely wary of humans and predators.
Their nocturnal habits are thought to be a way to avoid predation during the day.
Curiosity
Once accustomed to humans and their environment, they are relatively curious and easy to observe.
They may approach from a certain distance when offered food.
Loyalty to Parents and Pairs
They are monogamous and extremely loyal to their partners and chicks.
They exhibit responsible behavior, such as taking turns remaining in the burrow to protect the eggs and chicks.
Other
While there are significant differences between individuals, they generally appear docile, gentle, and adorable.
It is impossible to keep them in a human home, but once they get used to the keepers at the aquarium, they become gentle.
What is the ecology of little penguins?
Little penguins mainly eat small fish, squid, and octopus. I like small fish, but sometimes I also eat crustaceans. Breeding occurs mainly around October each year, when eggs are laid in colonies. It is possible to lay two eggs. Breeding can begin as early as around 2 years of age. The maximum lifespan is said to be 15 to 20 years. The chicks leave the nest about 50 to 60 days after hatching and become independent in about two years.
Activity Pattern
Strongly nocturnal
They return from the sea to their burrows after sunset and often rest there during the day.
Excellent Swimmers
They use their wings to swim underwater, preying on small marine creatures such as fish and krill.
They can travel short distances quickly, reaching a maximum speed of approximately 6–10 km/h.
Diet
Main Food: Small fish, krill, squid, and other marine life
They sometimes hunt in schools in shallow waters near the coast.
They often catch food near their burrows and rarely travel long distances.
Breeding and Rearing
Breeding Season: June to November in southern Australia and New Zealand.
Nests: They build burrows in rocks, sandy holes, or under vegetation.
Eggs: Usually 1-2 eggs.
Rearing: Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and chicks and bringing food.
Pairs are often monogamous, and may breed with the same partner every year.
Social Behavior
They often form colonies during the breeding season, living in groups of several hundred birds.
They engage in huddling behavior (huddling) to protect themselves from the cold.
They use calls and patterns to identify parents and offspring and pairs.
Migration and Distribution
Their range is relatively small, living near the coast.
Depending on ocean currents and food availability, they can travel up to tens of kilometers.
About Little Penguin Chicks
Little penguin (Eudyptula minor) chicks have the adorable characteristics and unique developmental process that are unique to small penguins. Details are summarized below.
Eggs and Hatching
Number of Eggs: Usually 1-2
Egg Size: Approximately 4-5 cm x 3 cm
Days to Hatching: Approximately 35 days
Both parents take turns incubating the eggs (male and female share the role)
Chick Appearance
Immediately after hatching, chicks have fluffy gray down (called “down”).
Body length is approximately 10-12 cm, and they weigh only 50-60 g.
At first, their eyes may be closed, so they require parental protection.
Development
Protected by parents in the burrow
Protecting chicks from predators and the cold
Feeding
Parents feed them fish and krill by mouth
Feather Change (Molt)
Down feathers are replaced with waterproof feathers in approximately 1.5-2 months.
Independence
They leave the nest approximately 8-10 weeks after hatching and are able to forage for food on their own in the sea.
Sociality and Behavior
Until fledging, chicks spend their time in groups with other members of the same colony.
Even after fledging, parents may continue to indirectly monitor their chicks’ food intake and safety for some time.
Threats and Conservation
Chicklings are particularly vulnerable to introduced predators (cats, rats, dogs) and human activity.
Conservation efforts include the construction of artificial nests and predator control measures around nests.
Are little penguins an endangered species?
The little penguin (Eudyptula minor) is not currently classified as “endangered,” but population declines have been observed in some regions and subspecies, requiring careful attention. The details are summarized below.
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Assessment
Little penguins overall (Eudyptula minor): Least Concern
Globally, the population is still considered to be stable.
The population is estimated to be over one million birds.
Regional Situation
New Zealand: Populations in some areas are declining due to invasive species (cats and rats) and human activity.
Southern Australia and Tasmania: Impacts from fishing and coastal development, but populations remain stable within protected areas.
Major Threats
Invasive predators: Cats, rats, dogs, etc. attack nests and chicks.
Human Activities: Destruction of breeding grounds due to coastal development and tourism.
Environmental Change: Decreasing food resources due to climate change and rising sea temperatures.
Conservation Efforts
Promoting coexistence with humans through education and awareness-raising activities.
Protecting breeding grounds (protecting against invasive predators through nature reserves and fences).
Supporting breeding through artificial construction of nest holes and monitoring.
Where can I see little penguins?
The main sightseeing spots for little penguins are Oamaru in New Zealand and Phillip Island in Australia, where they are visited by many tourists. If you are interested, please make a reservation on a travel site.
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What is Oamaru?
Oamaru is a small town in New Zealand that is home to a large population of little penguins. Because it is close to human habitat, it is possible to see little penguins up close. It’s a very small town, so it’s not crowded, so I recommend it.
What is Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is a famous tourist attraction in Melbourne, Australia. It is possible to see little penguins, koalas, and other animals, making it a famous spot visited by many tourists throughout the year.
Is it possible to keep little penguins?
Breeding of the little penguin species is possible. However, they will need to be bred as they have quite a violent personality. Also, there are high hurdles to raising them. It will be necessary to secure a veterinarian, a facility that can maintain room temperature, and fish. Also, note that you will need to prepare a pool and a den, so it will cost some money. Please refer to the following page.
Zoos where Little Penguins are kept (Japan and Worldwide)
The Little Penguin is the world’s smallest penguin, and relatively few are kept in captivity worldwide.
Japan
In recent years, the following are representative facilities in Japan that keep Little Penguins (Fairy Penguins):
AOAO SAPPORO
Keeps Fairy Penguins.
The birth of chicks was reported in 2026.
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
One of Japan’s leading penguin-specialized facilities, keeping 9 of the world’s 18 penguin species.
Also known for its experience in keeping Little Penguins.
Australia
As the native habitat, there are many facilities to keep them.
Melbourne Zoo
Taronga Zoo
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Adelaide Zoo
Perth Zoo
National Zoo & Aquarium
Sea World Gold Coast
new zealand
Auckland Zoo
Wellington Zoo
National Aquarium of New Zealand
International Antarctic Center
America
Louisville Zoo
Bronx Zoo
ABQ BioPark Zoo
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Birch Aquarium
