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Little Blue Penguin Facts for Kids Fairy Penguins Penguins 101

From Wikipedia: The little penguin (Eudyptula minor) is the smallest species of penguin. It grows to an average of 33 cm (13 in) in height and 43 cm (17 in) in length, though specific measurements vary by subspecies.[2][3] It is found on the coastlines of southern Australia and New Zealand, with possible records from Chile. In Australia, they are often called fairy penguins because of their small size. In New Zealand, they are more commonly known as little blue penguins or blue penguins owing to their slate-blue plumage. They are also known by their Māori name: kororā.

Little Blue Penguins

Also known as Fairy penguins, blue penguins, and little blue penguins, this species is the smallest of all penguins; a fully developed adult can weigh only 2.6 lb. They have a fragile and delicate appearance highlighted by a bluish color unique among all species of penguins. Hi, welcome to Animal Facts, today we discuss the super cute, Little Blue Penguin. If you love animals, click that subscribe button and Let’s Get Started.

Comment your favorite penguin fact below.

10. Little penguins are only found in southern Australia and New Zealand. In Australia little penguin colonies are scattered around the coastline from near Perth on the west coast, to Sydney on the east coast, and around Tasmania. Phillip Island has only one remaining little penguin colony, part of which can be seen at the Penguin Parade which offers up-close views of little penguins.

9. Little blue penguins are mainly nocturnal as they perform most of their activity during the night creating small groups of about ten members or less. They are not migratory and stay close to their colonies most of the time.

8. Unlike larger species, they can dive only to a depth of 230 feet for approximately 35 seconds, but usually they do it in depths ranging from 59 to 102 ft.

7. They can get used to human presence and stop fearing them, especially when they are in captivity or when sharing territory with tourists.

6. They love small fish, especially sardines, and anchovies, but they can also hunt squid, krill, and small octopus. From the sea floor, little penguins may eat crab larvae, sea horses and crustaceans. However, the kind of prey may change to adapt to the availability of food in their habitat. Like most penguins, they swallow their food whole.

5. Little penguins spend their days out at sea hunting for food in the shallow waters close to the shore. They can often be seen congregating in groups, referred to as ‘rafts’.

4. Little blue penguins are monogamous most of the time, and they are strongly attached to their partners, although still there are a few cases of “divorce”.

3. Little penguins face predators at sea such as sharks, seals (Lion, Leopard, and Fur), Killer whales and predators on land such as Sea Eagles and large Gulls. Man-made hazards include oil spills, plastic, road kills, gill net fishing and loss of breeding habitats.

2. Little penguins moult between February and April staying ashore for approximately 17 days. Like most birds, Penguins moult to replace their old and worn feathers. They do this so they can maintain a water proof plumage. Without waterproof feathres, they would lose lots of heat and eventually die of hypothermia. They cannot eat during moult as they are not waterproof and so can’t go out to sea to fish. Instead, they almost double their body weight beforehand.

1. While not officially endangered, Human impacts such as introduced predators, over exploitation of marine ecosystems, oil spills, marine pollution and climate change can threaten little penguins and their ecosystems. The more we know about little penguins, the more we can do to protect them.

Well, there we have it, a tiny list for a little penguin? What is your favorite penguin species? Comment below. IF you like this list, hit that like button and make sure to subscribe, for more fun fauna facts. If you’d like to help us create more lists, consider becoming a patron on Patreon and as always, catch ya next time.

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