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Yellow Eyed Penguin

Hoiho

Megadyptes antipodes

Despite intensive study and protection Yellow Eyed Penguin (YEP's) numbers have declined noticeably in the past few years and they are now arguably the worlds rarest. They have poor chick survival rates, for reasons still not understood. However we do see them from time to time around Ulva.

Unusual in the penguin world, Yellow Eyes return ashore every night right through the year.

Most of these photos were taken around Otago Peninsula.

Size 760 mm


Unusual Calls. Penguin calls are usually strident. But YEPs have a softer whistle.
Agility. While appearing clumsy, YEPs can nevertheless get around pretty well on land
Long way. And they will travel a fair distance up stteep banks to a suitable nesting site
Yellow Eyed Penguin. .
Nesting. Nests are always in shaded places as the hot sun is really bad news for a bird which has difficulty regulating it's temperature out of the water.