Breeding success of little penguins (kororā, Eudyptula minor) in Wellington, 2014-2023: a first record of double brooding on North Island, New Zealand

Koror & amacr;, little penguin, breed in New Zealand and Australia with two subspecies now recognised after numerous taxonomic revisions: Eudyptula minor minor only in New Zealand, and E.m. novaehollandiae, in Australia and Otago on the southeast coast of South Island, New Zealand. One of the distinguishing features of E.m. novaehollandiae is the possible laying of a subsequent clutch by the same female after successfully fledging chicks (double brooding). In this study in Wellington, North Island, 25-53 nestboxes used for breeding were monitored for 10 years, 2014-2023 to determine abundance and breeding success. From the 380 clutches, 81% of eggs hatched, 87% of hatched chicks fledged, 70% of eggs fledged chicks, and 1.32 chicks fledged per clutch. Micro-chipping of adults from 2021 allowed identification of individuals at most locations. Double brooding was suspected prior to 2021 and was confirmed at one location in 2023. This is the first record of double brooding of koror & amacr; on the North Island. Genetic analysis of the female will resolve whether E.m. minor can double brood or if E.m. novaehollandiae has reached the North Island.