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SPHENISCUS UNDINA, Gould.
Fairy Penguin.

Aptenodytes Undina, Gould in Proc. of Zool. Soc., Part XII. Do.

 

Tuis is undoubtedly the smallest Penguin yet discovered, for it is considerably less in size than the 8. minor,
from which it also differs in its comparatively smaller wing, and in the deeper blue colouring of the upper
surface of the body: by many persons it might be regarded as the young of 8. minor, but I invariably found
the young of that species, while still partially clothed in the downy dress of immaturity, to exceed consi-
derably in size all the examples of this new species, even when adorned in the adult livery and possessing the
hard bill of maturity; there can be no question therefore of the two birds being distinct.

For the first example that came under my notice I am indebted to the kindness of Ronald C. Gunn, Esq,,
of Van Diemen’s Land, who informed me that it was one of some hundreds that had been thrown ashore
dead at Circular Head, during one of those severe gales that occasionally occur in Bass’s Straits ; subse-
quent to this the bird came under my own observation, and I obtained another example on Waterhouse
Island, where it was breeding.

Its habits, manners, mode of life and food are precisely similar to those of S. minor.

The whole of the upper surface, flanks and upper side of the wings glossy light blue, with a narrow stripe
of black down the centre of each feather, the black mark being broadest and most conspicuous on the back ;
all the under surface of the body, the under side and the inner margin of the upper side of the wings, and
the inner webs of the tail-feathers silky white; bill reddish brown beneath, black above ; feet yellowish
white.

The Plate represents a male and a female of the natural size.