The Fiordland crested penguin, also know as Tawaki in Te Reo Māori or by their scientific name, eudyptes pachyrhynchus, are a species of penguin endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. They belong to the genus "Eudyptes" , aka "Crested". They are medium-sized penguins and grow up to 55 centimetres (22 inches) in height, and can weigh between 2 and 5kg (4.4 to 11lb). Tawaki were once found as far north as the upper South Island, and possibly the lower North Island too, but are now only found on the southwestern coast lines of the South Island, as well as Stewart, Codfish and Solander Islands. The northernmost breeding colony is located at Heretaniwha Point at the western end of Bruce Bay in South Westland, while the southernmost breeding pairs occupy nest sites around Port Pegasus at the southern tip of Stewart Island. In Fiordland, they breed on outer coasts and within the fiords (West Coast Penguin Trust).
Tawaki / Fiordland Crested Penguin
Why Should I Vote Tawaki?
You should vote Fiordland Crested / Tawaki this year because they are a vulnerable species and they are lesser known compared to other native penguin species !! Bird of the Year is all about bringing awareness to endangered and vulnerable soecies , and educating the public about all the wonderful birds in this country. Voting tawaki is a fantastic way to honour this, because they need all the attention they can get ! Fiordland crested penguins are one of the worlds rarest penguin species and they face struggles such as dogs and stoats causing them physical harm, as well as climate change harming their environment. You should vote for them because the more well known the tawaki is, the more educated people will be about penguin conservation, and the better we can protect these beautiful creatures. Also, how can you resist that face !! With their charming suits and stunning eyebrows, the tawaki is simply irresistable . All of that goes to say, voting tawaki for Bird of the Year is the best choice !!
