Are Little Penguins nocturnal?
During the day Little Penguins are often out at sea looking for food. They leave their nests before sunrise and do not return until after sunset, sometimes staying out at sea for a number of days. Little Penguins will wait until nightfall before coming ashore as they are afraid of predator birds who may attack them as they cross the beach and force them to regurgitate their hard won days’ catch. Little Penguins are also active at night, mating, feeding chicks, socialising, protecting their nests and generally making noise. Little Penguins only rest for short periods during the day and night. They can sleep at sea and often doze as they float on the surface.
