Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
The Fiordland Penguin, or Tawaki, is a striking, medium-sized crested penguin endemic to the temperate rainforests and rocky coastlines of New Zealand's South Island. Standing approximately 55-60 cm (21.5-23.5 inches) tall and weighing 3-5 kg (6.6-11 lbs), its robust body features a slate-grey back and pure white belly. The most distinctive field mark is the prominent, broad, pale yellow superciliary stripe that extends from the base of the bill, over the eye, and often terminates in a shaggy...
This species primarily inhabits temperate rainforests, rocky coastlines, and sea caves along the rugged west coast of New Zealand's South Island, nesting from sea level up to a few hundred meters inland.
Their diet consists mainly of cephalopods (squid, octopus), crustaceans (krill, euphausiids), and small fish, which they catch during pursuit dives in coastal waters.
Fiordland Penguins are largely nocturnal when ashore, an adaptation to avoid predation by gulls and skuas, moving under the cover of darkness between their forest nests and the sea. They are diurnal at sea, foraging by diving to depths often exceeding 60 meters, propelled by powerful flipper stro...
The Fiordland Penguin is endemic to the coastal regions of New Zealand's South Island, with its primary breeding strongholds found along the rugged west coast of Fiordland and Westland. Significant populations also occur on Stewart Island (Rakiura) and its smaller satellite islands, such as Codfi...
Vulnerable
- The Māori name 'Tawaki' translates to 'crested' or 'bushy brows,' accurately describing its most distinctive feature. - It is the only penguin species that predominantly nests deep within temperate rainforests, often over 100 meters from the ocean. - Unlike most penguins, they sometimes nest so...