The smallest penguin
The blue penguin can be found in many places around New Zealand and southern Australia and is the world's smallest penguin. It comes ashore under the cover of darkness and lives in underground burrows. Although quite common, its small size and unusual habits make it rarely seen.

Physical characteristics The blue penguin stands approximately 25 cm tall and weighs a little over 1 kilogram. The plumage is slate blue with a bright white belly. Juveniles are indistinguishable from adults. Both sexes are alike, although the male is a little heavier and usually has a larger bill.

Habitat
Blue penguins breed underground in burrows or natural holes but it is not uncommon to find them nesting under buildings, stacks of timber or even railway tracks. Artificial nest boxes are readily adopted.

Breeding
Blue penguins usually breed for the first time at 2-3 years of age. They form long-term partnerships, but there are instances of ‘divorce’.

The egg-laying period for most blue penguins in New Zealand is September to November. Usually two eggs are laid and are incubated for 36 days, with both parents sharing the incubation and feeding duties. One parent guards the chicks for the first 2-3 weeks, after which both parents must go to sea to keep up the supply of fish. In good food years, blue penguins in Otago will lay eggs from May to February, with many pairs raising two clutches of chicks.

Chick growth is rapid, with adult weight (1kg) achieved in 4-5 weeks. Chicks usually fledge at 8 weeks and are independent from then on. There is a high rate of juvenile mortality, but the little blue penguin can reach up to 25 years of age.