Megadyptes

Megadyptes is a genus of penguins in the family Spheniscidae. It is currently represented by a single living species, Megadyptes antipodes, commonly known as the yellow-eyed penguin or hoiho. The genus name derives from Greek elements meaning “large diver.”

M. antipodes is native to New Zealand and its surrounding subantarctic waters. It nests along the southeastern coast of the South Island and on nearby islands, preference given to areas with coastal vegetation that provides cover. Birds form small, often dispersed colonies and return to the same breeding sites year after year. Their range and abundance are influenced by prey availability and environmental conditions.

Adult yellow-eyed penguins have slate-gray upperparts, pale underparts, and a distinctive pale yellow eye-ring and head stripe that gives the species its name. They are medium-sized penguins, with a length typically around 60 to 70 centimeters. In appearance they contrast with many other penguin species through their lighter face and the broad yellow eye stripe.

In terms of behavior, yellow-eyed penguins feed primarily on fish and squid, foraging at sea and returning to shore to breed. A clutch may consist of one or two eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing. Chicks fledge after several weeks to months, depending on food availability and conditions.

Conservation status is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Populations have declined due to predation by introduced mammals, habitat disturbance, and fluctuations in prey caused by climate variability and fishing. Conservation measures focus on predator control, protection of breeding sites, and monitoring of populations.