Little penguins here to mate

Little blue penguins - or korora - can swim up to 25km offshore. Photo/supplied by DOC

Have you been lucky enough to spot one of our short-feathered friends - the little penguin, around the Mount lately? The korora, also called blue penguin, is the world's smallest penguin and is found only in New Zealand and Southern Australia.

These little flightless birds stand just over 25cm and weigh around one kilo.

At this time of the year, the breeding season is in full swing and adult penguins usually lay up to two eggs. During the first three weeks, one parent will stay with the chick, while the other one is bringing in food for its family.

Can you imagine that the korora swims up to 25km offshore in the search for their favourite food such as small fish, crustaceans and squid?

For about a two-week period sometime between January and March all adult penguins come ashore to moult and grow all their new feathers.

They can look very ragged and don't eat for this whole time, but this is nature's way of renewing and waterproofing next season's set of clothes.

You will find the little blue penguin living underground in burrows, natural holes and sometimes even under human structures or buildings. You can imagine that Mauao is a paradise for these little birds, as they can find shelter under those big rocks around the base track. If you listen carefully you might hear them chatting away.

Here in Tauranga we have the Mauao Area Wildlife Trust, led by Julia Graham, which does great work monitoring the birds, rescuing them and releasing them back to the wild.

Unfortunately, korora numbers are declining. Being low-ranked in the food chain, they have to defend themselves against sharks and seals, and against dangers on land such as vehicles, dogs, cats, rats and stoats.

* If you find an obviously injured penguin, please ring the office on 07 578 7677.