Distinguishing features

Fiordland penguins are quite similar to Snares penguins. They can be distinguished readily by the thin white streaks on the cheeks. 

Chicks have grey brown backs with white fronts.

Photos of Fiordland penguins

Sub-species

There are no generally recognised sub-species of the Fiordland penguin.

Height & Weight

Fiordland penguins stand 50 to 55 cm tall and weigh around 3 to 4 kg with significant variations during the year.

Breeding locations

Nesting behaviour

Fiordland penguins are solitary, they make nests in soft ground in dense undergrowth, well apart from one another. Nests can be a long distance from the shore and 100m above sea level. Two eggs are laid but usually only one chick is raised. The egg is incubated for 30 to 36 days with the parents taking turns on the nest (in long 5 to 12 day shifts). After hatching the male stays with the chick for 2 to 3 weeks while the female provides food. Chicks are then left either alone or in loose creches while both parents bring food daily. Chicks moult and go to sea when about 75 days old. 

Principal diet

Little is known about the diet of Fiordland penguins. The only study (of adults feeding chicks) suggests a diet of 85% squid with the remainder made up of crustaceans and fish. 

Alternative names

Fiordland penguins are sometimes referred to as "Fiordland-crested penguins" and also "Thick-billed penguins".  The Maori name for the Fiordland penguin is Tauake.