Nature
Meet the Southern Hemisphere’s Tiny Blue Wonders
Little Blue Penguins, or “Fairy” Penguins charm onlookers with their diminutive stature and distinctive blue plumage. These aquatic maestros exhibit serial monogamy, nest in burrows, and engage in courtship dances, and are a marvel of the Southern Hemisphere.
By Beth Snider · February 9, 2024
Little Blue "Fairy" Penguins
In the enchanting realms of New Zealand and Australia, the Little Blue Penguins, also known as Fairy Penguins, captivate onlookers with their diminutive stature and distinctive blue plumage. As the smallest penguins in the world, these fascinating creatures boast characteristics that set them apart from their monochrome counterparts. Kevin McKernan/Flickr
Geographic Distribution
With New Zealanders affectionately referring to them as Little Blue Penguins and Australians embracing the name Fairy Penguins, these avian wonders have carved out their homes along the south and north coasts of the North Island, the southeast coast of the South Island, as well as various other locations in New Zealand and Chatham Island. In Australia, their presence graces the southern coast from Port Stephens in the east to Fremantle in the west. Kim Davies/Flickr
Distinctive Coloration Sets Them Apart
True to their name, Little Blue Penguins exhibit a vibrant blue plumage that differentiates them from the conventional black-and-white penguin aesthetic. Even their eyes are adorned with the same enchanting blue hue. The younger chicks flaunt a brighter blue shade, evolving into a deeper indigo as they mature. This unusual coloration, coupled with small slate-grey feathers covering their ears, transitioning to white underneath from the chin to the belly, is a natural camouflage while navigating the waters. nzphoto/Flickr
Physical Characteristics
Their flippers are a matching shade of blue, and the bill, measuring 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in), is a dark grey-black. The feet, pink on top with black soles and webbing, add to their charm. Auckland Museum Collections/Wikimedia
Size
Standing at a height of just 36 to 43cm (14 to 17in), and weighing between 0.9-1.4kg (2-3 lb), these small wonders have seasonal weight variations, peaking at the start and end of the breeding season. bunnicula/Flickr
Masters of the Southern Seas
Fairy Penguins are aquatic maestros, spending up to 18 hours a day in the water. Their forays onto land are limited to sleeping during molting and breeding seasons. These agile swimmers consume their body weight daily in krill, squid, and small fish, primarily sticking to inshore waters and rarely venturing more than 15 miles from the shore. Their swimming speeds can reach an impressive 3.7mph. JP Bennett/Wikimedia
Fairy Penguins as Serial Monogamists
Fairy Penguins engage in annual courtship rituals involving flamboyant displays, dances, and vocalizations. Once paired, these penguins remain faithful throughout the entire breeding process. The couple shares responsibilities, taking turns incubating eggs and caring for their chicks during the energy-intensive chick-rearing period. Cburnett/Wikimedia
Nest in Burrows
Nesting preferences vary, with underground burrows under thick grass roots being favored. Females lay two eggs two to three days apart, with an incubation period of about 35 days. Both parents play active roles in incubating eggs, feeding chicks, and guarding the nest. brittgow/Wikimedia
Little Blue "Fairy" Penguin Chicks
Little Blue Fairy Penguin chicks are born with a covering of soft, downy feathers that match the slate-blue or indigo-blue hues of their parents. These adorable youngsters, relying on their devoted parents for care and nourishment, grow rapidly and exhibit charming playfulness as they explore their coastal surroundings. Magnus Kjaergaard/Wikimedia
The Nightly Symphony of Fairy Penguins
Known for their vocal prowess, these social birds communicate through a repertoire of squawks, brays, barks, hisses, cheeps, and growls. Their distinctive calls, predominantly heard at night, serve as a means of conveying messages to their peers. Males, in particular, use their vocal talents to attract mates and defend their territories. Charles Barilleaux/Wikimedia
Conservation Challenges
While the Little Blue Penguins are currently listed as "Least Concern" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, they face an array of threats. Urbanization, predation by introduced species, plastic pollution, and oil spills all pose significant risks to their populations. In some arees, guardian dogs are employed to protect colonies. Peter Gaylard/Wikimedia