Meet the world’s tiniest penguin—the Australian Little Penguin, also nicknamed the Fairy Penguin (because it’s so small, it might just be magical). Standing only about 12 inches tall (that’s shorter than a ruler!) and weighing just 2 pounds, these penguins are like mini tuxedo-wearing superheroes of the sea.

But wait — plot twist — these penguins aren’t black and white like you’d expect. Nope! They’ve got a beautiful blue-gray color that sparkles in the sunlight. Talk about penguin fashion!

Little penguins live along the southern coastlines of Australia and New Zealand. They spend most of their day swimming like champs, diving and twisting to catch their favorite snack — tiny fish and squid. Then at sunset, something amazing happens: they waddle out of the ocean together in a group, marching across the beach like tiny soldiers on a mission. This adorable nightly routine is called the penguin parade, and people from all over the world come to watch!

They build cozy burrows in the sand or under rocks to raise their chicks, and both penguin parents take turns babysitting. Teamwork! But life isn’t all easy waddles and fish feasts — these little birds face big dangers from pollution, habitat loss, and sneaky predators like foxes and cats. That’s why conservation groups are working hard to protect them and their beachy homes.

So next time you imagine a penguin, don’t think of the cold and icy South Pole. Think small. Think blue. Think totally adorable. Think — Australian Little Penguin!