Yellow-eyed penguins normally dive to about 35m but sometimes as deep as 100m.

Statistics
Height: 65-70cm (25.5-27.5in), Weight: 5-6kg (11-13lb).

Physical description
They are very distinctive with pale grey bodies, yellow colouring on their heads and yellow irises.

Distribution
They breed and live in New Zealand on the coast of the South, Campbell and Auckland Islands all year round.

Diet
Yellow-eyed penguins feed on small fish.

Behaviour
They use secluded nests separate from other breeding pairs in forested areas. They prefer a cool shady habitat. When threatened, their displays include shoulder hunching, staring and pecking.

Reproduction
Nest sites are scattered and well hidden so interaction with other breeding pairs is rare. The chosen nest site is often returned to in following years. Egg laying is in September. Two eggs are usually laid and the eggs are incubated for 39-51 days. The chicks are guarded and fed by both parents for 40 days, with fledging in March usually at fifteen weeks old.

Conservation status
Yellow-eyed penguins are classified as Endangered by the 2000 Red List of Threatened Species. They are at risk from introduced predators, habitat loss, disease and food shortage. Population size is thought to be 4-7000 individuals.