BIRD #27 OF 45

Little Penguin

The Little Penguin is the world’s smallest penguin and the only penguin species that breeds on mainland Australia. These charming seabirds spend their days fishing at sea before returning to shore under the cover of darkness.

With a little patience, you might spot them waddling back to their burrows after sunset.

  • HABITAT

    Coastlines, rocky shores, offshore islands

  • CONSERVATION STATUS

    Least Concern (LC)

  • LOCATION

    NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA

  • HOW TO SPOT IT

    🐧 Small penguin with slate-blue upperparts and a white belly
    📏 About 30–35 cm tall
    🩶 Short dark bill and flipper-like wings
    🌊 Often seen swimming close to shore or returning to land at dusk

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Unlike most birds, Little Penguins use their wings to “fly” underwater, propelling themselves through the sea at speeds of up to 6 km/h while chasing fish.