Yellow-eyed Penguin Pictures - Photos
216 images Created 24 Aug 2009
The endangered Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) is a rather unique species of penguin, native to New Zealand, and with a population of only about 4000. It is considered one of the world's rarest penguin species. It may be the most ancient of all living penguins.
While penguins are commonly seen in large colonies, the yellow-eyed penguin is a rather isolative creature. This piscivorous bird spends the majority of the day fishing in the ocean, then waddles alone onto shore shortly before sunset. Once ashore, it heads towards its nest tucked away in the forest or scrub, on slopes facing the sea.
"Hoiho" is the Maori name for this penguin, which translates into 'noise shouter'. It is common to hear this penguin throw back its head and cry out.
A close look at a picture of a yellow-eyed penguin shows a striking yellow eye band sweeping back from each yellow eye.
Common locations for viewing this endangered species are at Otago Peninsula, Stewart Island, and the Catlins, in the South Island of New Zealand.
While penguins are commonly seen in large colonies, the yellow-eyed penguin is a rather isolative creature. This piscivorous bird spends the majority of the day fishing in the ocean, then waddles alone onto shore shortly before sunset. Once ashore, it heads towards its nest tucked away in the forest or scrub, on slopes facing the sea.
"Hoiho" is the Maori name for this penguin, which translates into 'noise shouter'. It is common to hear this penguin throw back its head and cry out.
A close look at a picture of a yellow-eyed penguin shows a striking yellow eye band sweeping back from each yellow eye.
Common locations for viewing this endangered species are at Otago Peninsula, Stewart Island, and the Catlins, in the South Island of New Zealand.
