Yellow-Eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes)
Yellow-Eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes)
Most penguins are marine, but the Yellow-Eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) is terrestrial, only getting into the water to hunt. It is endemic to the southern region of New Zealand. It is not migratory and will stay on an island all year round. Surrounding its eyes and the back of its head are bands of pale yellow feathers. These are what are used to identify it. However, juveniles lack this yellow band and have a greyer head. The underside of its flippers, chest, thighs, and stomach are light brown, while the tail and back are slate blue-black. Besides, the side of the head and fore-neck are light brown. The Yellow-eyed penguin is silent, only making shrill bay-like calls during breeding and nesting.
Yellow-Eyed Penguins have an overall height between 24”-31” (61-79 cm) and body width of 8.3”-11” (21-28 cm). The typical weight of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin is in the range of 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg). Yellow-Eyed Penguins have lifespans between 10-25 years.
Most penguins are marine, but the Yellow-Eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) is terrestrial, only getting into the water to hunt. It is endemic to the southern region of New Zealand. It is not migratory and will stay on an island all year round. Surrounding its eyes and the back of its head are bands of pale yellow feathers. These are what are used to identify it. However, juveniles lack this yellow band and have a greyer head. The underside of its flippers, chest, thighs, and stomach are light brown, while the tail and back are slate blue-black. Besides, the side of the head and fore-neck are light brown. The Yellow-eyed penguin is silent, only making shrill bay-like calls during breeding and nesting.
Yellow-Eyed Penguins have an overall height between 24”-31” (61-79 cm) and body width of 8.3”-11” (21-28 cm). The typical weight of the Yellow-Eyed Penguin is in the range of 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg). Yellow-Eyed Penguins have lifespans between 10-25 years.