Erect-crested Penguin

1. Distinctive bright yellow crest that stands upright above the eyes.

2. Large orange-brown bill with pale blue-white skin around the base.

3. Larger size compared to other crested penguins found in New Zealand.

Erect-crested penguins have one of the most unusual breeding systems in the bird world. They lay two eggs, but the first is significantly smaller and almost always discarded.Eggs are laid in October-November and chicks leave in late January-February. Climate change affecting their food supply is a major threat, causing population declines in recent decades.

Erect-crested penguins are primarily found on the remote Bounty and Antipodes Islands. However, lucky mainland birdwatchers might spot individual birds moulting on the east coast of the South Island during summer months. Look for them on rocky shorelines or in the water near the coast. Early morning or late afternoon are good times for spotting. Tip: Listen for their harsh, low-pitched calls which can help locate them among the rocks.

Known as tawaki a hī in te reo Māori, erect-crested penguins have long inhabited New Zealand's subantarctic islands. While not traditionally significant in mainland Māori culture due to their remote location, they've become important subjects for conservation efforts. Their unique breeding habits and declining numbers have made them a focus of scientific study and conservation concern.