Pygoscelis antarcticus
Chinstrap Penguin
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.
Length
68cm to 76cm
Wingspan
91cm to 99cm
Weight
3kg to 5kg
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Pink
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 100 meters
Polar, Subantarctic
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ringed Penguin, Bearded Penguin
Main predators of Chinstrap Penguins include leopard seals, killer whales (orcas), and occasionally skuas, which may prey on eggs and chicks.
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website: BirdLife International. 2020. Pygoscelis antarcticus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697761A184807209.
View sourcereport, 2016: Lynch et al.