Eudyptes – Crested penguins

The genus of penguins with yellow tufts of feather

Species of penguins of the genus Eudyptes have seven extant species, of which six are monotypic – they have no subspecies themselves. It also comprises one extinct species.

Crested penguins split from the ancestors of the yellow-eyed penguin around 15 million years ago. They are characterized by a yellow crest, black and white body, pink legs, red bill, and eyes.

Their calls are more complex than other species. Eudyptes are widespread from the Antarctic Peninsula to some subantarctic and southern subtropical islands. All crested penguins lay two eggs; the first egg laid is considerably smaller than the second and is generally discarded. Only one chick per breeding season is raised. Most are on IUCN’s Red list.