The little penguin (Eudyptula minor) is the smallest penguin in the world, approximately 33cm long and weighs about 1kg. It is stocky, dark blue and white in colour, with a long, robust, dark hooked bill, blue-grey eyes, relatively short flipper-like wings, and pinkish-white legs and feet.
They are sometimes known as the kororā, little blue penguin, blue penguin, fairy penguin and white-flippered penguin. Their paddle-like flippers are excellent for ‘flying’ through the water at speeds of up to 6 km/h.
They were once common along the shores of New Zealand, but now most live on offshore islands where there is less disturbance. Where predator control is in place, populations have been stable or increasing but they are declining in areas not protected. Dogs are likely the greatest threat to little penguin. Cats, ferrets and stoats will also kill them. Little penguins are also killed crossing coastal roads, being hit by boats, or caught in set nets.