Eudyptula
Definition
Eudyptula is a genus containing the smallest penguin species: the little blue penguin (E. minor), also known as the fairy penguin or korora in Maori. Standing only about 30-33 cm tall and weighing around 1 kg, Eudyptula penguins are found along the coastlines of New Zealand and southern Australia. The genus name means 'good little diver'. Unlike most penguins, little blue penguins are largely nocturnal on land, returning to their burrows after dark to avoid predators. Some taxonomists have proposed splitting the Australian population into a separate species.
Related Terms
Related Species
Species where eudyptula is especially relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eudyptula mean in penguin biology?
Eudyptula is a genus containing the smallest penguin species: the little blue penguin (E. minor), also known as the fairy penguin or korora in Maori. Standing only about 30-33 cm tall and weighing around 1 kg, Eudyptula penguins are found along the coastlines of New Zealand and southern Australia. The genus name means 'good little diver'. Unlike most penguins, little blue penguins are largely nocturnal on land, returning to their burrows after dark to avoid predators. Some taxonomists have proposed splitting the Australian population into a separate species.
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More in taxonomyWhere this definition comes from
Reference bodies behind the taxonomy terminology. Links last checked August 5, 2026.
- IUCN Red List - Global conservation assessments and extinction-risk categories.
- BirdLife Data Zone - Species accounts, distribution, and population summaries.
- Australian Museum - Little penguin biology and coastal breeding behavior.