Little Penguins (or Fairy Penguins) are the smallest species of penguin and are found on the coastlines of southern Australia and New Zealand. They generally hunt fish, squid and other small sea animals close to shore, but will travel and dive quite extensively.
Half of their dives go no deeper than 2m, usually for about 21 seconds, but they are able to dive as deep as 20m for up to a minute. Little Penguin partners remain together in the breeding season, and while incubating their 2 eggs in their burrow. As they can’t fly, they are prey to dogs, cats and foxes.

Size: 40 - 45cm

Illustration: Mark Trinham