Erect-crested penguinEudyptes sclateriWhere and when to see them

The erect-crested penguin is a little-known crested penguin that breeds on New Zealand's remote Antipodes and Bounty Islands. Its stiff yellow eyebrow plumes rise above the head, giving it a distinctive profile. These isolated breeding grounds support a species that has undergone substantial population declines. Much of its life outside the breeding season remains poorly documented, and its remoteness means it should never be presented as a routine mainland New Zealand wildlife encounter.

Size

50-70 cm (19.7-27.6 in) tall

Weight

3-6 kg (6.6-13.2 lb)

Lifespan

10–20 years

Status

Endangered

Adults gather in dense breeding colonies on exposed rocky ground, where pairs defend small nest spaces using calls and displays. Females lay two differently sized eggs, but the much smaller first egg is normally lost and only the second is successfully incubated. Parents share incubation and later chick provisioning. Adults return ashore to replace their feathers during a concentrated molt, after which they leave the colonies and spend extended periods at sea. Adults gather in dense breeding colonies on exposed rocky ground, where pairs defend small nest spaces using calls and displays. Females lay two differently sized eggs, but the much smaller first egg is normally lost and only the second is successfully incubated. Parents share incubation and later chick provisioning. Adults return ashore to replace their feathers during a concentrated molt, after which they leave the colonies and spend extended periods at sea. They are highly colonial nesters, forming dense aggregations that can number in the tens of thousands. During the non-breeding season, these penguins are highly pelagic, spending several months continuously at sea.

• Regular breeding is confined to the Antipodes and Bounty island groups.
• The first egg is much smaller than the second and normally does not produce a surviving chick.
• Its upright eyebrow plumes give the species its common name.
• Its movements during much of the nonbreeding season remain poorly understood.

October through February broadly overlaps breeding attendance and the subantarctic travel season. However, suitable voyages do not imply permission to land or approach colonies. Mainland sightings are exceptional, and distant viewing at remote islands depends heavily on weather, authorization and the actual route. October through February broadly overlaps breeding attendance and the subantarctic travel season. However, suitable voyages do not imply permission to land or approach colonies. Mainland sightings are exceptional, and distant viewing at remote islands depends heavily on weather, authorization and the actual route. During the breeding season, large numbers of birds are concentrated at colony sites, making this the optimal time for observation from a distance. The intense activity of parents feeding chicks provides dynamic viewing opportunities.

Breeding habitat is restricted to rugged subantarctic islands with rocky shores, bare ground and sparse vegetation. Outside breeding and molt, the species occupies southern oceanic waters. Colonies are remote, environmentally sensitive and subject to strict access controls rather than ordinary public shore access. Breeding habitat is restricted to rugged subantarctic islands with rocky shores, bare ground and sparse vegetation. Outside breeding and molt, the species occupies southern oceanic waters. Colonies are remote, environmentally sensitive and subject to strict access controls rather than ordinary public shore access. Its main breeding sites are on the Bounty and Antipodes Islands, both remote New Zealand territories. These islands are characterized by a lack of predatory mammals, which is crucial for penguin breeding success.

Available evidence indicates a diet of marine crustaceans, including krill, together with squid and small fish. Knowledge is limited compared with more accessible penguin species. Food availability around breeding islands influences the effort adults must invest in provisioning a growing chick. Available evidence indicates a diet of marine crustaceans, including krill, together with squid and small fish. Knowledge is limited compared with more accessible penguin species. Food availability around breeding islands influences the effort adults must invest in provisioning a growing chick. Studies suggest that their foraging grounds are primarily pelagic, far offshore from their breeding colonies. They are known to undertake deep dives in pursuit of prey, often reaching depths of over 50 meters.

Common name

Erect-crested penguin

Scientific name

Eudyptes sclateri

Animal group

Birds

Size

50-70 cm (19.7-27.6 in) tall

Weight

3-6 kg (6.6-13.2 lb)

Lifespan

10–20 years

Status

Endangered

Identification

Stiff upward-pointing yellow eyebrow plumes distinguish it from the more swept-back crests of Fiordland and Snares penguins, though distant views can remain inconclusive. Stiff upward-pointing yellow eyebrow plumes distinguish it from the more swept-back crests of Fiordland and Snares penguins, though distant views can remain inconclusive. The erect-crested penguin also has a more robust bill and often a slightly paler chin compared to other crested penguins. Its overall head pattern appears plainer due to the prominent, narrow crests that stand out distinctly.