Erect-Crested Penguin

There are several types of penguins with decorative feathers, but this time, let us introduce you to the 'Erect-Crested Penguin.' It is also called the 'Eyebrow Penguin,' and if you are a penguin lover, you might be familiar with it! However, few people have actually seen this penguin up close, and that’s because it is said to hide a certain secret. What could this secret be? Let's find out!

Erect-Crested Penguin Basic Infomation

Order: Sphenisciformes, Family: Spheniscidae, Genus: Eudyptes

Height: 50 to 95 cm

Male Weight: about 6.3 kg (before molting)

Female Weight: about 5.4 kg (before molting)

In the Antipodes Islands, adult penguins.

Male Bill Length: 21.2 cm, Female Bill Length: 20.4 cm

On the Otago Peninsula, adult penguins.

Male Flipper Length: 5.8 cm, Female Flipper Length: 5.2 cm

On the Otago Peninsula, adult penguins.

Population: 150,000 birds

Erect-Crested Penguins are the only species in the macaroni penguin genus with yellow decorative feathers standing erect which can move freely. The underside is white, and the head and back are covered with black feathers, with thin pink legs. The beak is tinged orange-red. Males and females look identical, making it difficult to distinguish them, but generally, males are larger.

The Erect-Crested Penguin begins breeding around September. First, males land on islands such as the Bounty Islands and the Antipodes Islands. Females arrive about two weeks later. After arrival, they form groups called 'rookeries' on the coasts and rocky reefs. They also build their nests in the same places, using small stones, soil, and plants. After mutually selecting their partners, they engage in breeding behaviors.

Females lay two eggs around October, but the first egg laid is often smaller than the second, and sometimes only the second egg is incubated. The total incubation period is about 35 days, leading to the successful hatching of chicks.

Newly hatched chicks are initially cared for and fed by their parents while being sheltered under their bellies. Once they grow a bit, they are left in 'creches' (communal nurseries), where parents continue to feed them while foraging at sea. About 70 days after birth, they grow to the size of adult birds and are ready to leave the nest.

From fluffy down to sleek adult feathers, the chicks undergo a transformation. A year after leaving the nest, young birds also grow decorative feathers, although they are still somewhat shorter, retaining a youthful look. Once fully grown, the decorative feathers reach about 6 cm in length.

Erect-Crested Penguin Q&A

What is the origin of the name 'Erect-Crested Penguin'?

The 'Erect-Crested' in Erect-Crested Penguin refers to the distinctive, upright decorative feathers that are characteristic of this species. The alternative Japanese name, 'Eyebrow Penguin', comes from the appearance of these feathers, which resemble eyebrows standing on end. The scientific name 'Eudyptes sclateri' is in honor of the British zoologist Philip Sclater.

Why do Erect-Crested Penguins live there?

Erect-Crested Penguins primarily breed on New Zealand's southeastern islands, including the Bounty Islands and the Antipodes Islands. They also form colonies on the Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands, and have been spotted on Macquarie Island, Chatham Islands, and even Australia. However, sightings outside New Zealand's surrounding islands are often of stranded individuals.

The reasons they prefer these locations are not fully understood, due in part to the remote and inaccessible nature of their breeding sites. These sites are typically steep cliffs and turbulent seas, making detailed study challenging. Thus, much about their habitat preferences remains a mystery.

What do Erect-Crested Penguins eat?

Erect-Crested Penguins dive into the ocean to feed on squid, octopus, and crustaceans. Chicks are fed regurgitated crustaceans and other sea creatures by their parents.

Is it true that Erect-Crested Penguins only raise one chick?

Yes, it is true. As mentioned in the basic info, the first egg laid is usually smaller and sometimes not incubated by the parents or even destroyed. Even if both eggs hatch, the parents typically only nurture the more assertive chick. This harsh natural selection ensures that only the fittest chick survives, which is vital for enduring the challenging conditions of their habitat.

Where can you see Erect-Crested Penguins?

As of November 2021, unfortunately, there are no places in Japan where you can see Erect-Crested Penguins. There is a record of them being exhibited at the 'Wakkanai City Northern Breakwater Dome Aquarium' in Wakkanai City, Hokkaido. The longest-lived individual in captivity there survived for 28 years until its death on November 2, 2001. The penguin's remains are now preserved as a valuable specimen at a bird research institute.

Due to their endangered status, importing and breeding these penguins are no longer permitted, and access to their breeding sites is also restricted. Therefore, the only chance to observe these penguins in the wild would be from a boat passing near their islands.

Does the Erect-Crested Penguin have any natural predators?

Erect-Crested Penguins face threats from large seagulls like the Southern Giant Petrel and the South Polar Skua. However, the biggest threat to their population may actually come from humans. They are currently classified as 'Endangered' by the IUCN due to factors possibly including overfishing of their food sources and predation on eggs and chicks by introduced predators such as rats.

The details are still not fully understood due to the remote and inaccessible nature of their breeding grounds.

What is the lifespan of an Erect-Crested Penguin?

In the wild, the Erect-Crested Penguin can live up to about 17 years under the harsh conditions of their natural habitat.

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