What is so unique about the erect-crested penguin?

Erect-crested penguin has yellow, stiff and erect feathers above the eyes, hence the name “crested”. Unlike in other types of crested penguins, crest of erect-crested penguin can be positioned low or high. Erect-crested penguin has long, slender, brown-orange beak, graceful, elegant body and short tail.

How tall are erect-crested penguin?

Physical features. Standing up to 67 cm (26 inches) tall and weighing as much as 6 kg (about 13 pounds), E. sclateri is among the largest of the six species of crested penguins.

How many erect-crested penguins are there in the world?

The current population is estimated at 150,000 mature individuals and is being listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List; the erect-crested penguin is listed as endangered and granted protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

What eats crested penguins erect?

FEEDING: Erect-crested penguins dine primarily on krill and squid, with some small fish included in the diet.

How fast do crested penguins swim?

Most penguins swim underwater at around four to seven miles per hour (mph), but the fastest penguin—the gentoo (Pygoscelis papua)—can reach top speeds of 22 mph! 4. Penguins don’t wear tuxedos to make a fashion statement: it helps them be camouflaged while swimming.

Why is the erect crested penguin endangered?

This species is classified as Endangered because its population is estimated to have declined very rapidly over the last three generations, and it is almost certainly still declining. Furthermore, it has a very small breeding range, which may now be restricted to just two locations.

Where are crested penguins found?

southern New Zealand
The erect-crested penguin is one of three similar-looking crested penguins endemic to southern New Zealand. Its main breeding grounds are on the remote Bounty and Antipodes Islands. Individual birds are found moulting on the east coast of the South Island most summers.

Why do crested penguins have yellow?

“Penguins use the yellow pigment to attract mates and we strongly suspect that the yellow molecule is synthesized internally,” explains Daniel Thomas, a fellow at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and lead author of the study recently published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface.

How much does the erect crested penguin weight?

13 lbs
Erect-crested penguin/Mass

Are crested penguins aggressive?

– The crested penguins live on most of the islands at a latitude of 37° and 57° South. They mostly breed in large colonies of thousands of birds, where it is very noisy and often aggressive behaviour is seen.

How big does an erect crested penguin get?

The Erect-crested Penguin is a member of the crested group of penguins. Erect-crested Penguins have suffered substantial declines since the late 1970s. Common Name: Erect-crested Penguin. Scientific name: Eudyptes sclateri. Population: 68,000 breeding pairs. Weight and height: 3.5 kg – 5.5 kg, 65 cm – 70 cm.

How did the erect crested penguin get its name?

Erect-Crested Penguin 1 Scientific Classification 2 Fast Facts. Erect-crested penguins are named for their crest of yellow plumes that are erect, or bristle up over their eyes. 3 Fun Facts. Crested penguins (genus Eudyptes) lay two eggs. 4 Ecology and Conservation. 5 Bibliography.

What kind of food does an erect crested penguin eat?

Erect-crested penguins are sometimes called the ‘ Sclater’s Penguins ‘. Erect-crested penguins dine on fish and krill near the surface of the sea and that they may travel great distances in search of food. Erect-crested penguins are very sociable and nest in large colonies located close to colonies of Rockhopper penguins.

How big does a black and white penguin get?

This species of penguin is medium sized. They are black with white on the belly and then the yellow over the eyes. They have the classic tuxedo look that so many people associate with penguins. They range in size from 20 to 28 inches tall. They can weigh from 5 to 13 pounds.

What is so unique about the erect-crested penguin? Erect-crested penguin has yellow, stiff and erect feathers above the eyes, hence the name “crested”. Unlike in other types of crested penguins, crest of erect-crested penguin can be positioned low or high. Erect-crested penguin has long, slender, brown-orange beak, graceful, elegant body and short tail. How tall…