GENTOO PENGUINS (Pygoscelis papua)
SIZE:
- 24-30 in. (61-76 cm)
- 12-14 lb (5.5-6.5 kg)
THREAT LEVEL:
Least concern
DISTRIBUTION:
- Antarctica and islands around Antarctica
HABITAT:
Colonies are usually smaller and less densely packed than Adelie or Chinstrap penguins, their closest relatives. In the sub-Antarctic, the nests are often found in tussocks, whereas on the Antarctic Peninsula they nest on stony, ice-free areas and beaches.
MARKINGS:
A white band runs eye-to-eye across the head. The orange-red lower mandible is also a distinct feature. Two subspecies are recognized: a larger form in the sub-Antarctic and a smaller, but otherwise similar subspecies on the Antarctic Peninsula.
NEST TYPE:
- In colonies out in the open
PREY:
- Krill, squid
PREDATORS:
- Leopard seals, Antarctic fur seals, New Zealand sea lions, Southern sea lions, skuas
POPULATION ESTIMATE:
- 317,000 breeding pairs
Sources:
http://www.penguins.cl/penguins-species.htm
http://www.penguinworld.com/types/adelie.html
noaa.org
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#penguins #birds #Antarctica
