Fiordland Crested Penguin

Distribution:

Fiordland Crested penguins nest in dense woodland along the SW coast of NZ S island and on offshore islands to the S. Birds are occasionally see in Tasmania and along SE coast of Australia but do not breed at these locations.

No subspecies or subtypes are recognized.

Feeding:

Little is known about the feeding habits of Fiordland Crested Penguins, although they primarily seem to eat Krill, small fish and squids. It is thought that the birds remain near the shore on the continental shelf during hunting, rarely going more than 10km out to sea. Birds living in Fiords are rarely spotted beyond the mouth of the Fiord.

Reproduction:

Fiordland Crested Penguins breed annually and generally return to their previous breeding site. Males return first (in June) and are shortly afterwards followed by the female. The same partner is usually maintained. The nesting sites are in coastal temperate rainforests, mostly along the W coast of New Zealand. The nests may be solitary or in small colonies and are usually found in hollows such as under tree trunks. By the end of July, two eggs have usually been laid. The second egg tends to hatch first. The first egg may or may not hatch, yet since the other chick is older and generally only the larger chick is fed, the smaller chick will not tend to survive. For the first days after hatching, chicks sit on the males feet in contact with the brood patch. Later the chicks rest against the parent. The female is initially responsible for feeding. If sufficient nests are present in the area, chicks may form small creches at an age of about 3 weeks and both parents then can go to sea to get food. Chicks eventually leave for sea at an age of 10 or more weeks, usually in November. Sexual maturity is reached at an age of 5 years.

General Behaviour:

Fiordland Crested Penguins are very timid and tend to be alert and hesitant when leaving the cover of the forest. Even at a distance of tens of meters, the presence of humans is readily noted and only after a lengthy period of observation during which several penguins may gather at the forest edge will a particularly brave bird head out onto the beach, often rushing away from the observers. Hence, any human interaction is problematic.

Like other penguins situated in moderate climatic areas, allopreening is observed any may be performed by chicks in a creche or between partners. This serves to remove parasites and in the latter case to strengthen the bond between partners.

Although rarely observed to fight, when it does occur the birds may interlock bills and swipe at eachother with their flippers. The distinctive white cheek stripes may become more prominent as the birds puff their cheeks outward.

Threats:

The main threat to Fiordland Crested Penguins is predation by land-based predators which were brought to New Zealand by European settlers. Further, the Weka (a large flightless bird) may steal eggs, yet its numbers are also dwindling. Chicks are highly susceptible to predation by stoats, ferrets and rats but also by domestic animals such as cats and dogs. Blackflies carry parasites which may infect and weaken chicks. Further, human interference can reduce the bredding success of these timid penguins. Fortunately, the W coast of New Zealand remains relatively undeveloped, so habitat loss is a lesser problem at present.

The primary cause of nest failure is a natural one. During heavy rainfall, which is common along the W coast of New Zealand, eggs may become chilled and chicks can become wet and cold or may even be drowned in their nests.

Where To See:

Since Fiordland Crested penguins are shy and spend most of their time in dense forests once on land they are not easy to see. Birds can best be observed landing and crossing the beach on the way to their nesting sites at Monro beach (near lake Moeraki) on the W coast of New Zealands S island. Visitors must however stay off parts of the beach (indicated) during the breeding season so as not to prevent the penguins from landing. Alternatively penguins can be seen further south at Jackson Bay. The Dept. of Conservation (DOC) visitor center in Haast can provide guidance. Further, swimming Fiordland penguins are often seen during cruises in the Fiordland Ntl. Park (e.g. in Doubtful Sound).

There are no sites where nests can be observed and visitors should not attempt to find nests under any circumstances since these are rare penguins whos breeding success is likely to be negatively affected by human disturbance of nesting sites. Heavy fines can be imposed if nesting sites are disturbed.