Little Penguin
ExploreBirds
Little Penguin
eudyptula minor
Little Penguins are the smallest penguins in the world! They waddle on land and are great swimmers in the ocean.
Habitat: Coastal areas of Australia and New Zealand.
Appearance
The Little Penguin is the smallest penguin species, featuring striking slate-blue to indigo-blue feathers on its back and head, contrasting with a pure white belly. Its small, dark bill and pale blue-grey eyes are also distinctive, making it visually unique among penguins.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderSphenisciformesFamilySpheniscidaeGenusEudyptula
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Each penguin has a unique call, helping them find their mate and chicks in noisy colonies!
Little Penguins can spend up to 80% of their entire lives out at sea!
These tiny birds return to the exact same burrow each night to sleep after hunting all day!
They communicate using over 20 different sounds, like chirps, squawks, and even braying!
Special abilities
Ability
Underwater Flight
Little Penguins can 'fly' underwater, using their strong flippers to propel them like wings and chase fast-moving prey.
Ability
Built-in Wetsuit
Little Penguins have dense, oily feathers that trap a layer of air, keeping them warm and dry in cold ocean waters.
Ability
Night Vision Hunters
Little Penguins have excellent low-light vision that helps them spot fish and squid in murky water, especially at night.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-33 cm
- Wingspan
- 30-40 cm
- Weight
- 1-1.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
- Top Speed
- 6 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-2
- Incubation
- 33-37 days
- Migration Distance
- 0 km
Diet & Feeding
Little Penguins are expert underwater hunters, feasting on small fish, squid, and tiny crustaceans.
Primary Foods
- Pilchards
- Anchovies
- Arrow squid
- Krill
- Octopus
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Pilchard
Sardinops sagax
A primary food source for foraging penguins.
hunts
Australian Fur Seal
Arctocephalus pusillus
A natural marine predator of Little Penguins.
hunts
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaster
Preys on adult penguins and their chicks.
eaten by
Australian Anchovy
Engraulis australis
Another common small fish in their diet.
hunts
Domestic Dog
Canis familiaris
A significant land predator near human settlements.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Blue PenguinEudyptulaFairy Penguin
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Little Penguin?
30-33 cm
What is Little Penguin's wingspan?
30-40 cm
How much does Little Penguin weigh?
1-1.5 kg
How long does Little Penguin live?
6-10 years
How fast can Little Penguin move?
6 km/h
What does Little Penguin eat?
Little Penguins are expert underwater hunters, feasting on small fish, squid, and tiny crustaceans.
Where is Little Penguin usually found?
Coastal areas of Australia and New Zealand.
How does Little Penguin hunt?
Pursuit
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
Where to spot
Zoo23 sightings16 species
Ohio, US
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
You might spot African Lion, Giraffes, and Gray Wolf.
View guide →
Aquarium30 sightings16 species
Massachusetts, US
New England Aquarium
You might spot Northern Fur Seal, Common Tern, and Harbor Seal.
View guide →
Aquarium23 sightings14 species
Texas, US
Dallas World Aquarium
You might spot Shoebill, Palm Cockatoo, and Malagasy Giant Chameleon.
View guide →
.jpeg&width=800)
