Gentoo Penguin
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Pygoscelis papua
Population size
774,000
Life Span
15-20 years
Top speed
36
22
km/hmph
km/h mph 
Weight
4-8
8.8-17.6
kglbs
kg lbs 
Height
51-90
20.1-35.4
cminch
cm inch 
Length
70-95
27.6-37.4
cminch
cm inch 

The Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is a penguin species (or possibly a species complex) in the genus Pygoscelis. It is most closely related to the Adélie penguin and the Chinstrap penguin. Gentoo penguins are the fastest underwater swimmers of all penguins, reaching speeds up to 36 km/h (22 mph). They are well adapted to extremely cold and harsh climates.

Appearance

The Gentoo penguin is easily recognized by the wide, white stripe extending like a bonnet across the top of its head and its bright orange-red bill. It has pale whitish-pink, webbed feet, and a fairly long tail - the most prominent tail of all penguin species. Chicks have grey backs with white fronts. As the Gentoo penguin waddles along on land, its tail sticks out behind, sweeping from side to side, hence the scientific name Pygoscelis, which means "rump-tailed".

Video

Distribution

Geography

Gentoo penguins are found along the coastlines of the Antarctic Peninsula, sub-Antarctic islands, and the Falkland Islands in the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean. They breed on many subantarctic islands. The main colonies are on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the Kerguelen Islands; smaller colonies are found on: Macquarie Island, Heard Islands, Crozet Islands, South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Gentoos breed on ice-free surfaces. Colonies can be located directly on the shoreline or considerably inland. They prefer shallow coastal areas and often nest between tufts of grass.

Gentoo Penguin habitat map

Climate zones

Gentoo Penguin habitat map
Gentoo Penguin
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Habits and Lifestyle

Gentoo penguins are diurnal and social birds, breeding in colonies and remaining together for the rest of the year. They typically live and breed in the same areas. Gentoos are very shy and do not tend to defend their territories. When encountering a predator, they will simply retreat. However, they become extremely territorial, when it comes to their nests. Every year, these birds undergo molting, which usually takes place right after fledge and departure of the chicks, lasting 25 days. During the molt, they fast and don’t go to forage at the sea. For this reason, before molting, during January, adult individuals travel to the sea to forage, staying there for about 55 days.

Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

Gentoos are carnivorous (piscivorous) birds. Their usual diet consists of fish, cephalopods as well as crustaceans such as krill or shrimp.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
egg-laying: June-November
INCUBATION PERIOD
34-36 days
INDEPENDENT AGE
80-100 days
FEMALE NAME
hen
MALE NAME
cock
BABY NAME
chick, nestling
web.animal_clutch_size
2 eggs

Generally, Gentoo penguins are seasonally monogamous, though some pairs may remain together throughout their life. They congregate into large breeding colonies of up to 2.000 pairs at a breeding site. As the breeding season begins, the pair constructs a nest. The penguins usually build their nests at a distance of about 1 meter from each other. The female lays 2 eggs from June to the end of November. Both the male and the female participate in the incubation process, taking turns. Incubation lasts about 34-36 days, after which the chicks hatch out, staying in the nest for the following 30 days, until they form creches. At about 80-100 days old, the young undergo their first molt, gaining the sub-adult plumage, after which they go out to the sea. Typically, they first breed at 3-4 years of age, though they can occasionally breed earlier - at 2 years old.

Population

Population threats

Primary threats to this species include pollution and association with fisheries. On the other hand, human disturbance in the form of scientific studies is among other threats. Thus, penguin colonies on Kerguelen Island and Possession Island have been threatened by scientific bases around the area.

Population number

According to IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Gentoo penguin is 774,000 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are stable.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • When the Gentoo dives deep into the water, the heartbeat of the penguin drops sharply from 80-100 beats per minute (bpm) to 20 bpm.
  • Gentoos are called “pygoscelis” or “rump-tailed penguins” due to their long tail, sweeping back and forth when the animal walks.
  • The Gentoo penguin is the third largest species of penguin.
  • Gentoos like to nest only in clean areas. For example, in a case, if the nesting area, left from the previous year, is too trampled or dirty, they will look for a more suitable nesting area.
  • Gentoo penguins are the only species of penguin among those, living in the Antarctic Peninsula Region, which is currently increasing in quantity and the area of distribution.
  • Gentoo penguins gather at nesting areas, called "rookeries", where they congregate into large colonies of thousands of pairs. Living in these large groups, each penguin has its unique call, helping the bird find its mate and chicks.

Coloring Pages

References

1. Gentoo Penguin Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentoo_penguin
2. Gentoo Penguin on The IUCN Red List site - http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22697755/0
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/623839

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