The yellow-eyed penguin

Hoiho

Yellow-eyed penguin

The yellow-eyed penguin is unique to New Zealand, and is one of their most threatened species.

The penguin got his name from his yellow iris and his distinctive yellow headband .

It is grey/blue in colour, and has a snow-white belly. Penguin chicks are covered in thick brown, fluffy feathers and do not develop this plumage until they are 14-16 months old.

The Maori name for the yellow-eyed penguin is 'hoiho,' which means noise shouter. You can usually hear them before you see them!

The identity card of the yellow-eyed penguin :

Lifespan:	Long life (it can go until 20 years)
Size:	It can be 65cm high and weigh 5 to 8kg
Diet:	Fishes, red cod and squid

Habitat:

The yellow-eyed penguin is equally dependant on marine and land habitat.

Yellow-eyed penguin among Bulbinella rossii. Photo: DOC.

Forest and scrubland are their land habitat. It’s where the little babies are born. Marine habitat is as important because they find food.

Yellow-eyed penguins are found in the southeast South Island. They are also found on islands Stewart Island, Auckland and Campbell Island.

Cause of disappearance:

1. Habitat destruction

2. Predators ( by dogs and cats)

Hoiho or yellow-eyed on the Otago Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand

Return to Animals

Lifespan:

Long life (it can go until 20 years)

Size:

It can be 65cm high and weigh 5 to 8kg

Diet:

Fishes, red cod and squid

Habitat:

The yellow-eyed penguin is equally dependant on marine and land habitat.

Cause of disappearance:

1. Habitat destruction

2. Predators ( by dogs and cats)