Yellow-eyed Penguin

Megadyptes antipodes, the hoiho, is a large endemic penguin of southeastern New Zealand. It differs from little penguin through its much greater size and yellow eyes and head band. Adults have pale yellow eyes and a yellow band running around the back of the head. The body is slate-grey above and white below with pink feet.

It breeds on the southeastern South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura and nearby subantarctic islands. Nest sites lie in coastal forest, scrub and flax behind landing beaches. It dives alone for bottom-associated fish and cephalopods. Pairs nest out of sight of neighbours rather than in dense colonies.

The New Zealand classification is Nationally Endangered. Otago Peninsula viewing reserves provide managed opportunities; several former public sites now have very few birds.