Eudyptes sclateri
The Erect-crested Penguin (Eudyptes sclateri) is a striking, medium-sized crested penguin endemic to the New Zealand subantarctic islands. Standing approximately 50-70 cm tall and weighing 2.5-6 kg, it is characterized by its vivid yellow superciliary stripe that begins above the eye and extends backward, ending in a distinctive, bristly erect tuft. Its plumage is slate-black on the upperparts and pristine white on the underparts, complemented by a thick, powerful red-orange bill and captivat...
This marine species breeds exclusively on remote, rocky subantarctic islands, often utilizing steep, exposed cliffs and boulder beaches for their dense colonies. They prefer areas with minimal vegetation, nesting from sea level to low elevations on the rugged terrain.
Their diet primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans (including krill and copepods), and cephalopods like squid, which they actively pursue and capture during their extensive dives.
Erect-crested Penguins are highly colonial breeders, forming dense aggregations on their remote island homes, but are largely pelagic during the non-breeding season, spending extended periods at sea. They are pursuit divers, adeptly hunting for prey in the upper water column. During the breeding ...
The Erect-crested Penguin's breeding range is highly restricted, primarily confined to the New Zealand subantarctic Bounty Islands and Antipodes Islands. Smaller breeding populations have been historically noted on Campbell Island and the Auckland Islands, though current status there is uncertain...
Endangered
- The Erect-crested Penguin is one of the most enigmatic and least-studied penguin species due to its remote breeding grounds. - Unlike most birds, they lay two eggs, but the first-laid egg (A-egg) is significantly smaller than the second (B-egg) and rarely survives, a unique form of brood reduct...