Gentoo Penguin

Pygoscelis papua

Standing up to 30 inches tall with a distinctive orange-red bill and white eye patches, these charismatic waddlers are the third-largest penguin species in Antarctica.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

Gentoo Penguins are distinctive with their black back, white front, and bright orange-red bill. They have a white patch behind each eye extending to meet on top of the head, creating a cap-like appearance. Their flippers are black on top and white underneath.

Adults and juveniles share similar colouration, though juveniles may have slightly duller bills. There is no significant seasonal variation in their plumage.

Size

Length

75cm to 90cm

Wingspan

84cm to 91cm

Weight

4.5kg to 8.5kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Beak Colour

Orange Red

Leg Colour

Orange

Special Accolade

Fastest Swimming Bird

Highest recorded swimming speed among birds

Record: 36 km/h (22 mph)

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Gentoo Penguin can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Gentoo Penguin is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Gentoo Penguins inhabit the Antarctic Peninsula and various subantarctic islands, including South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and the Kerguelen Islands. They prefer ice-free areas for nesting, often choosing flat or gently sloping beaches and rocky areas near the shore.

Unlike some penguin species, Gentoos do not migrate long distances. However, they may move locally due to changing ice conditions and food availability.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 200 meters

Climate zones

Subantarctic, Antarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Gentoo 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