Gentoo Penguin Bird Facts (Pygoscelis papua)

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

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

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Argentina South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Australia Falkland Islands Heard Island and McDonald Islands South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Chile

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

New Zealand Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Exceptional agility in water, reaching speeds of 36 km/h and capable of precise manoeuvring during deep dives up to 200 metres. While less graceful on land with their characteristic waddle, they maintain remarkable underwater manoeuvrability.

Strength 75

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Robust build with substantial body mass (4.5-8.5 kg) and powerful flippers for propulsion. Their strength is particularly evident in their ability to navigate strong ocean currents and push through dense water during deep dives.

Adaptability 70

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Shows good adaptability in feeding behaviour, adjusting diet based on local prey availability. Successfully inhabits various subantarctic environments and copes with changing ice conditions, though somewhat restricted in breeding site requirements.

Aggressiveness 45

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Generally less aggressive than other penguin species, preferring smaller, more dispersed colonies. Will defend territory and nests when necessary, but typically displays moderate aggression levels compared to other penguins.

Endurance 80

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Impressive endurance demonstrated through sustained deep diving behaviour, long-duration swimming sessions, and the ability to maintain breeding duties in harsh Antarctic conditions. Parents alternate lengthy incubation shifts and continue feeding chicks for extended periods.

Diet

Gentoo Penguins primarily feed on crustaceans, particularly krill, as well as small fish and squid. They are opportunistic feeders, adapting their diet based on local prey availability.

These penguins can dive up to 200 meters deep in search of food, though most dives are shallower.

Behaviour

Gentoo Penguins are excellent swimmers, capable of reaching speeds up to 36 km/h (22 mph) underwater. They are known for their waddling gait on land and their habit of using their tails as a prop when standing.

These penguins are generally colonial but less gregarious than other penguin species, often nesting in smaller, more dispersed groups.

Vocalisation

Gentoo Penguins are vocal birds known for their loud, trumpeting calls. During courtship and territorial displays, they produce a series of rhythmic braying sounds, often described as 'donkey-like.'

Chicks emit high-pitched whistles when begging for food from their parents.

Nesting & Breeding

Gentoo Penguins typically form monogamous pairs and breed annually. The breeding season varies by location but generally occurs during the austral spring and summer, from October to March.

Nests are simple circular structures made of pebbles, grass, and feathers. Females usually lay two eggs, which are greenish-white and spherical. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.

Incubation lasts about 34-36 days. Chicks fledge at 85-117 days old, depending on food availability. Parents continue to feed the chicks for several weeks after they leave the nest.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While listed as Least Concern globally, some Gentoo Penguin populations are declining due to climate change impacts on their habitat and food sources.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and monitoring population trends to inform management strategies.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

774,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Johnny penguin, John penguin

Family:

Spheniscidae

Average Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Max Lifespan

41 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include leopard seals, orcas, and skuas. On land, eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predation by gulls and other seabirds.

Did You Know?

Gentoo Penguins are the fastest underwater swimmers of all penguin species.
They have a unique courtship ritual involving males presenting pebbles to females.
Gentoos are the only penguin species to lay eggs of different sizes within a clutch.