Hoiho Annual Cycles

The Yellow-Eyed Penguin Year

The long 28 week breeding season begins in mid-August when partnership are formed or renewed and nest sites selected. At these sites the penguins raise their young, rest during the annual 3 week moult and spend most nights. A suitable nest must be completely hidden from other breeding pairs, have a back to it (such as a log, rock or flax plant) and provide shelter from harsh weather and the heat of the sun.

In the Spring, between mid-September to mid-October, 2 eggs are laid. Incubation, which takes about 43 days, is shared by both parents.

Hatching of the eggs in November marks the beginning of the 6 week guard stage. One parent stays at the nest with the down-fluffy chicks all day while the other fishes for food at sea, returning in the afternoon. Before the hungry chicks are fed their regurgitated soup of fish and squid, the parents perform an exuberant duet of trills and cries - part of an elaborate greeting ceremony.


Although guarded constantly during these first 6 weeks, the chicks are in great danger from predators such as ferrets and feral cats. A few squawks, plus a peck of the beak from the guard parent, are not enough to protect the chicks from these ferocious hunters.

When the chicks are 6 to 7 weeks old, both the parent must fish each days to satisfy their rapidly growing young. During this time the chicks are left alone at the nest. Toward the end of the post-guard stage the chicks lose their soft, brown down and moult into the waterproof plumage of the juvenile.

When they enter the sea for the first time in late February or early March, the 4 to 5 months old penguins journey up to 500 km north to winter feeding grounds. If they survive the hardships of the sea they may return to their home breeding community. Fewer than 15% of the fledged chicks will ever reach breeding age.

With their long breeding season over, the tired and hungry parents have only a few weeks to recover before they begin the annual 3 to 4 week moult. During the moult the penguins cannot go to sea to feed. At this dangerous time they must have a sheltered, secluded place where they can rest undisturbed.

By early May most penguins have completed the moult. Sleek and shining in their new waterproof plumage, the penguins are ready to go to sea again. During the next few months there will be time for leisurely preening, socialising, playing in the surf or just resting in the winter sun.

Soon it will be August and the busy breeding season will begin again.

Home

Back

Forward

Danger

Help