Yellow eyed penguin. (15238441601)

The yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho (Megadyptes antipodes) is named for its yellow iris and distinctive yellow headband.

Adults are grey-blue in colour, with a snow-white belly and pink feet.

Yellow-eyed penguin in dunes. Photo: Rod Morris. The yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho is named for its yellow iris and distinctive yellow headband Their chicks are covered in thick, brown fluffy feathers that they shed to fledge at between 98 to 120 days. Their immature plumage has a yellow head band and extends to a yellow head with fully adult plumage when they're 14 - 16 months old.

The species' Māori name, hoiho - noise shouter - refers to their shrill call. Often heard when they encounter others in their colony.

Lifespan: lenghty as some individuals can live up to 20 years and the oldest recorded banded bird was over 20.

Size: adults reach around 65 cm in height and weigh around 5 to 5.5 kg. Diet: small to medium sized fish such as sprat, red cod, and squid.