Little (Fairy) Penguin
Little Penguins are the smallest penguin species weighing about 1 kg and measuring 33 cm (height). Found only on Australia’s southern coastlines and NZ, their waterproof plumage is dark blue on their upper body and white on their breast with the NZ subspecies additionally having some white tail and flipper feathers. Fairy Penguins live for about 7 years and females lay two eggs each spring with about 36 days incubation period. These little birds are most attractive and are accomplished swimmers often diving to catch small fish & crustaceans. The oil glands in their tail keep their feathers oily and therefore waterproof. They live in burrows and predators include fur seals, cats, dogs, foxes and large rodents. Little Penguins are also threatened by oil spills, other pollutants and destruction of their burrows. Each year they moult completely and must do so on land. Those forced to swim at these times may drown.

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