Chinstrap Penguin

Least Concern

Pygoscelis antarcticus

This hardy Antarctic wanderer, instantly recognisable by its distinctive black line under the bill, braves some of the world's most extreme conditions while waddling across ice sheets and diving up to 230 feet deep for food.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Chinstrap Penguin is easily identifiable by its distinctive black band extending from ear to ear under its chin, resembling a helmet strap. Its back and flippers are black, contrasting sharply with its white underparts and face. The penguin has a black bill and pink feet.

Adults typically measure 68-76 cm in length. There is little difference between males and females in appearance, though males are slightly larger. Juveniles have a similar colouration but may have a less defined chinstrap marking.

Size

Length

68cm to 76cm

Wingspan

91cm to 99cm

Weight

3kg to 5kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Chinstrap Penguins inhabit the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland, South Orkney, and South Sandwich Islands. They prefer rocky, ice-free areas for nesting, often on steep slopes or cliffs near the shore.

During the non-breeding season, these penguins disperse northward into subantarctic waters, sometimes reaching the southern coasts of Argentina and Chile. They are rarely seen in other regions, making Antarctic expeditions the primary way for birdwatchers to observe them.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Polar, Subantarctic

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 70
Adaptability 75
Aggressiveness 65
Endurance 80

Diet

Chinstrap Penguins primarily feed on krill, which accounts for about 95% of their diet. They also consume small fish and squid.

These penguins are skilled divers, capable of reaching depths of 70 meters to forage for food. They typically hunt in groups, which can help them more effectively corral schools of krill.

Behaviour

Chinstrap Penguins are highly social, often forming large colonies during breeding season. They are agile swimmers, using their flippers to 'fly' underwater at speeds up to 30 km/h (8.3 mph).

On land, they waddle upright or toboggan on their bellies across ice and snow, using their flippers and feet for propulsion.

Vocalisation

Chinstrap Penguins are known for their loud, harsh calls. During the breeding season, they produce a variety of vocalisations, including a high-pitched, repetitive screech often described as an 'ecstatic display call'. This call, which sounds like 'keee-keee-keee', is used for mate recognition and territorial defence in crowded colonies.

Nesting & Breeding

Chinstrap Penguins breed during the austral summer, typically from November to March. They form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting sites year after year.

Nests are simple circular structures made of stones placed on bare rock. Females usually lay two eggs, which are pale blue-green in colour. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 37 days.

After hatching, chicks are guarded for about 20-30 days before joining a crèche with other chicks. They fledge at around 50-60 days old, becoming independent and ready to enter the water.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 15 - 20 years
0
6
11
17
22

years

The Chinstrap Penguin typically lives for 15 to 20 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While currently listed as Least Concern, Chinstrap Penguins face threats from climate change, which affects their food supply and breeding habitats.

Krill fishing in the Southern Ocean also poses a potential risk to their primary food source. Ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts are crucial to protect their populations.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

8,000,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for large colonies on rocky, ice-free areas of Antarctica and nearby islands
  • Observe their distinctive black 'chinstrap' marking for easy identification
  • Watch for their energetic swimming and diving behaviours near shorelines
  • Visit during the austral summer (November to March) for the best viewing opportunities

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Ringed Penguin, Bearded Penguin

Family:

Spheniscidae

Predators

Main predators of Chinstrap Penguins include leopard seals, killer whales (orcas), and occasionally skuas, which may prey on eggs and chicks.

Did You Know?

  1. Chinstrap Penguins can leap up to 3 meters out of the water onto land or ice.
  2. Their colonies can be enormous, with some containing over 100,000 breeding pairs.
  3. These penguins can swim at speeds up to 30 km/h (8.3 mph), making them one of the fastest penguin species.

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References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2020. Pygoscelis antarcticus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697761A184807209.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2016: Lynch et al.