Penguin Species Profile
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes antipodes
A rare New Zealand penguin known for its striking yellow eyes and secluded forest nests.
Conservation Status
Endangered
Population Trend
Decreasing
Species Facts
Essential profile data
Scientific name
Megadyptes antipodes
Name origin
Named for its yellow eyes
Estimated population
1000-1500 breeding pairs
Colony size
143-577 breeding pairs
Average lifespan
8-25 years
Weight range
3-8.5kg
Maximum height
79cm
Diet
Fish, cephalopods and occasional crustaceans
Predators
New Zealand sea lions, sharks, barracudas (inflict severe bite injuries), ferrets, stoats and introduced predators like feral cats, dogs and feral pigs
Adaptations
These penguins have backward pointing spines so the tongue and mouth can be lined to hold slippery prey like fish and squid
Geographic breeding range
Eastern coast of South New Zealand and Stewart Islands
Appearance
Chick and adult comparison
Chick Appearance
Whole body is covered in dark brown plumage. Eyes are dark grey or brown. Feet are pale pink with dark soles, and beaks are black or a very dark reddish-brown
Adult Appearance
Backside, face and flippers are covered with black plumage, while belly has white plumage. Top of head is streaked with a semi-circlular ring of distinctive yellow plumage ending at both eyes. The rest of the head has a mix of black and yellow plumage. Feet are pink and beak is pink with a red tip. By this stage, the eyes have turned yellow
Fun Fact
These penguins are featured on the New Zealand 5 dollar bill