Bird

Little Penguin

Eudyptula minor

Also known as Fairy Penguin, Little Blue Penguin, Blue Penguin, Kororā

Little penguins navigate southern ocean currents during daylight hours to hunt small fish and squid before waddling ashore under cover of darkness. They raise their young in underground burrows or rock crevices, filling coastal colonies with loud, braying calls each night. Dense, oily feathers lock out freezing seawater while providing camouflage against marine predators.

MarineFlightlessCoastal

1 / 7

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyAnchovies, Pilchards, Squid

Predators

Australian Fur Seals
Introduced Foxes and Cats
White-bellied Sea Eagles

ThreatsIntroduced predators, net entanglement, marine debris, ocean warming

HabitatsCoastal ocean waters, sandy beaches, rocky shores, and sea cliffs

Life span6–10 years

Classification

FamilySpheniscidae
SpeciesEudyptula minor

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: May bite with sharp beaks if cornered in burrows; keep a respectful distance on beaches.
What to notice: Look for small blue-grey seabirds emerging from the surf at dusk and waddling toward coastal burrows.
Support conservation: Maintain at least 5 meters distance, stay on boardwalks, and keep flashlights off during evening arrivals.

Responsible observation

Observe Night Parades: Stand quietly on designated viewing platforms at dusk to watch them walk ashore without disturbing them.
Avoid Bright Lights: Never use flash photography or flashlights, as light disorients returning birds.
Control Pets: Keep dogs leashed and cats indoors in coastal areas near nesting colonies.

Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…