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Volume 54, No. 1

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Tasmanian records of vagrant penguins, 1991–2025.


Authors

ERIC J. WOEHLER
Australasian Seabird Group, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (eric.woehler@gmail.com)

Citation

Woehler, E. J. (2026). Tasmanian records of vagrant penguins, 1991–2025. Marine Ornithology, 54(1), 99-107.
http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.54.1.1690

Received 06 October 2025, accepted 03 December 2025

Date Published: 2026/04/15
Date Online: 2026/04/25
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Key words: penguins, dispersion, vagrancy, Tasmania, Aptenodytes, Pygoscelis, Eudyptes

Abstract

During the period 01 January 1991 to 31 August 2025, there were 274 records of vagrant penguins in Tasmania. These records represented three genera: Aptenodytes, Pygoscelis, and Eudyptes. The most frequently reported species were Fiordland Penguin E. pachyrhynchus, Royal Penguin E. schlegeli, and King Penguin A. patagonicus. High numbers of records were reported from 10 years, with a peak in 1999 and a lower peak in 2023. Records from January to March accounted for approximately 42% of all vagrant penguin occurrences and corresponded with the arrival of pre-moult birds of all ages. A range of species-specific oceanographic and environmental factors contributed to the arrival of these vagrant penguins. Individuals typically arrived underweight and often presented with injuries, making them vulnerable to dog attacks. Providing care for vagrant penguins would enhance conservation efforts and incorporate animal welfare concerns into best-practice responses.

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Search by author or title:

Browse previous volumes:

Volumes > 38 (2010-->)

Volumes 28-37 (2000-09)

Volumes 18-27 (1990-99)

Volumes 5-17 (1978-89) a.k.a 'Cormorant'