Yellow-eyed Penguin, Oamaru, New Zealand

Taken with Canon powershot A75, dated Nov 2004


The Yellow-eyed Penguins were called Hoiho ("noise-shouter") by the Maori. Standing about 65-70cm tall and weighing 5-8kg. They gain their names from their yellow iris and the characteristic yellow head band. They can be found on the south-east coast of South Island in New Zealand, as well as Stewart, Auckland and Campbell Islands. Rarest of all the penguins, the Yellow-eyed penguin is unique in appearance and behaviour. They are forest or shrubland nesting birds.