Little penguin, also known as the blue penguin or the fairy penguin, is the smallest of all penguins. It measures only about 12 inches (30 centimeters) tall and weighs about 2 to 3 pounds (1 to 1.5 kilograms). The upper parts of the little penguin’s body are dark with a blue tinge. The blue coloration is especially strong right after the molt, when old feathers are replaced with new ones. The undersides of the body are white. The beaks of little penguins are black, and their feet are pink. Little penguin chicks are covered in dark gray down (soft feathers).
Little penguins live in colonies along the southern coast of Australia, in New Zealand, and on offshore islands. A pair of little penguins builds a nest either by digging a burrow or by preparing such shelters as rock crevices or even nooks in buildings.
The female little penguin usually lays two eggs. Both parents take turns incubating (warming) the eggs. In some colonies, a pair may attempt to breed twice in a year, unusual for penguins. After about 35 days, the first chick hatches. A day or two later, the second chick hatches. Both parents take care of the chicks. Seven to nine weeks later, the chicks are nearly full-grown and venture out of the nest.
Little penguins eat a variety of fish, some squid, and occasionally tiny sea creatures called krill. Gulls, fur seals, and sharks prey on little penguins. Many populations of little penguins suffer from the destruction of their habitat. Such non-native predators (hunting animals) as dogs, cats, and foxes are also a problem. At their feeding grounds, little penguins often have to compete with commercial fishermen. Pollution can also harm the birds. Laws protect little penguins in both in Australia and New Zealand, and many colonies are protected in national parks or reserves.
