minor was most likely due to anthropogenic effects, such as being hunted by humans as well as introduced predators, including dogs brought from overseas. minor population declined in New Zealand, it left a genetic opening for E. Using ancient-DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating using historical, pre-human, as well as archaeological Eudyptula remains, the arrival of the Australian species in New Zealand was determined to have occurred roughly between AD 15. novaehollandiae was originally endemic to Australia. The Australian species Eudyptula novaehollandiae occurs in Otago. However, Eudyptula minor does not occur in Otago, which is located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. See also: List of little penguin colonies New Zealand Įudyptula minor breeds along most of the coastline of New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands. This behaviour has never been observed by those in New Zealand. They may also do this due to the increasing sea surface temperatures and changing sources of food that are available. They complete this after the first clutch has successfully fledged. Birds will double brood by laying another clutch of eggs in hopes to increase their reproductive success. Eudyptula minor only recently encountered terrestrial vertebrate predators, while Eudyptula novaehollandiae would have had to deal with carnivorous marsupials.Īlso, Eudyptula novaehollandiae located in Australia will double brood. This has not been seen by those of the New Zealand lineage. This may be an effective predator avoidance strategy by traveling in a large group simultaneously. Those of the Australian lineage will swim together in a large group after dusk and walk along the shore to reach their nesting sites. There are also behavioural differences that help differentiate these penguins. Females are known to prefer the local call of the New Zealand lingeage. In addition, the vocalisation patterns of the New Zealand lineage located on Tiritiri Matangi Island vary from the Australian lineage located in Oamaru. Įudyptula minor does not have the distinct bright blue feathers that distinguish Eudyptula novaehollandiae. The average for the species is 6.5 years, but flipper ringing experiments show that in very exceptional cases they may live up to 25 years in captivity. Like most seabirds, the Eudyptula species have a long lifespan. An immature individual will have a shorter bill and lighter upperparts. The dark grey-black beak is 3–4 cm long, the irises pale silvery- or bluish-grey or hazel, and the feet pink above with black soles and webbing. The head and upper parts are blue in colour, with slate-grey ear coverts fading to white underneath, from the chin to the belly. Like those of all penguins, the wings of Eudyptula species have developed into flippers used for swimming.Įudyptula species typically grow to between 30 and 33 cm (12 and 13 in) tall and on average weigh 1.5 kg (3.3 lb). A 2019 study supported the recognition of E. novaehollandiae is found in Australia and Otago. minor is endemic to New Zealand, while E. A 2016 study described the Australian little penguin as a new and separate species, Eudyptula novaehollandiae. Preliminary analysis of braying calls and cluster analysis of morphometrics partially supported these results. Analysis of mtDNA in 2002 revealed two clades in Eudyptula: one containing little penguins of New Zealand's North Island, Cook Strait and Chatham Island, as well as the white-flippered penguin, and a second containing little penguins of Australia and the Otago region of New Zealand. Little penguins from New Zealand and Australia were once considered to be the same species, called Eudyptula minor. However, as of 2012, the IUCN and BirdLife International consider the white-flippered penguin to be a subspecies or morph of the little penguin. In 2008, Shirihai treated the little penguin and white-flippered penguin as allospecies. minor morpha albosignata) is currently considered by most taxonomists to be a colour morph or subspecies of Eudyptula minor. variabilis and Eudyptula minor chathamensis are in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Several subspecies are known, but a precise classification of these is still a matter of dispute. The little penguin was first described by German naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster in 1781. Taxonomy A white-flippered penguin in the South Island. The Australian little penguin ( Eudyptula novaehollandiae) from Australia and the Otago region of New Zealand is considered a separate species by a 2016 study and a 2019 study. They are commonly known as little blue penguins or blue penguins owing to their slate-blue plumage and are also known by their Māori name kororā, and their Boonwurrung name Djinan Yawa-dji Goyeep (bird with swim feet). The little penguin ( Eudyptula minor) is a species of penguin from New Zealand.
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