Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Chinstrap Penguin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Exceptional agility in water, reaching speeds of 30 km/h (8.3 mph) and capable of 3-metre leaps from water to land. While less graceful on land, they've developed efficient walking and tobogganing techniques across ice and snow.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Robust build with powerful flippers enabling deep dives to 70 metres. Their muscular structure allows them to navigate strong Antarctic currents and propel themselves both in water and across ice, though not as powerful as larger penguin species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Well-adapted to extreme Antarctic conditions, capable of thriving in both marine and terrestrial environments. Shows remarkable flexibility in breeding site selection and foraging strategies, though somewhat specialist in diet preferences.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Displays notable territorial behaviour during breeding season, particularly in dense colonies. Actively defends nesting sites and exhibits aggressive vocalisations, though not considered amongst the most aggressive penguin species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Impressive stamina for long-distance swimming and diving, with the ability to undertake extensive foraging trips. Demonstrates remarkable endurance in harsh Antarctic conditions, including lengthy periods of fasting during breeding season.
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
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?
- Chinstrap Penguins can leap up to 3 meters out of the water onto land or ice.
- Their colonies can be enormous, with some containing over 100,000 breeding pairs.
- These penguins can swim at speeds up to 30 km/h (8.3 mph), making them one of the fastest penguin species.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Pygoscelis antarcticus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697761A184807209.
View source - 2 3
report, 2016: Lynch et al.
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