Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Visual Identification
Appearance
Macaroni Penguins are characterised by their distinctive golden-orange crest feathers extending from their bill to the back of their head. They have a black back, white belly, and a robust orange-red bill. Their eyes are red, adding to their striking appearance.
Both males and females look similar, with males typically being slightly larger. Juveniles lack the prominent crest and have a smaller, darker bill. During the moulting season, adults may appear dishevelled as they shed their old feathers.
Size
Length
70cm to 76cm
Wingspan
71cm to 81cm
Weight
3kg to 6kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Secondary Colour
Yellow Orange
Beak Colour
Orange Red
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Macaroni Penguins inhabit subantarctic and Antarctic regions, breeding on rocky, coastal areas of islands in the southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Key breeding sites include South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
During non-breeding seasons, they disperse widely across the Southern Ocean, venturing as far as the coasts of Chile and South Africa. They spend most of their time at sea, coming ashore only for breeding and moulting.
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 Macaroni 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
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
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.
Macaroni Penguins display remarkable agility underwater, reaching speeds of 15 km/h and executing precise manoeuvres whilst diving up to 100 metres deep. Whilst less graceful on land, they've developed effective hopping and waddling techniques to navigate rocky terrain.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
These robust penguins possess considerable strength, evidenced by their ability to swim long distances and catch prey during extended diving sessions. Their muscular build enables them to carry up to 2kg of food daily and defend territory effectively during breeding season.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Whilst specialised for their subantarctic habitat, Macaroni Penguins demonstrate good adaptability through their wide-ranging foraging behaviour, ability to navigate both marine and terrestrial environments, and capacity to adjust to seasonal changes in food availability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These penguins exhibit moderate aggression, particularly during breeding season when defending nesting territories. They actively compete for breeding sites and resources within their large colonies, though they're generally social birds outside of these contexts.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Exceptional endurance is demonstrated through their long-distance foraging trips (up to 50km from colonies), sustained diving capabilities, and ability to survive harsh subantarctic conditions. Their capacity to fast during breeding season whilst maintaining active defence of territories further showcases their stamina.
Diet
Macaroni Penguins primarily feed on small crustaceans, particularly krill, which make up about 90% of their diet. They also consume small fish and squid.
These penguins are pursuit divers, catching prey during underwater 'flights' that can last several minutes. They typically forage within 50 km (31 miles) of their breeding colonies.
Behaviour
Macaroni Penguins are highly social, forming large colonies during breeding season. They are excellent swimmers, using their flippers to 'fly' underwater at speeds up to 15 km/h.
On land, they waddle or hop over rocks, using their tails for balance. During foraging trips, they can dive to depths of 100 meters in search of food.
Vocalisation
Macaroni Penguins are known for their loud, trumpeting calls, crucial for communication in large, noisy colonies. Their vocalisations include a variety of brays, growls, and trumpeting sounds.
During courtship, pairs engage in an 'ecstatic display' accompanied by a series of loud, rhythmic calls that sound like 'ah-ah-ah-ah'.
Nesting & Breeding
Macaroni Penguins form monogamous pairs and return to the same breeding sites annually. The breeding season begins in October when males arrive to establish nesting territories. Females join shortly after, and courtship involves mutual preening and vocalisations.
Nests are simple depressions in the ground, sometimes lined with pebbles or vegetation. Females typically lay two eggs, but usually, only the second, larger egg is incubated and hatches. The first egg is often pushed out of the nest.
Both parents take turns incubating the egg for about 35 days. After hatching, the male guards the chick for about 23 days while the female forages. Chicks fledge at around 70 days old.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Macaroni Penguins are classified as Vulnerable due to population declines. Climate change affects their food sources, while introduced predators on breeding islands pose a threat.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding habitats, controlling invasive species, and monitoring population trends to guide management strategies.
Birdwatching Tips
- Visit subantarctic islands during the breeding season (October to March) for the best viewing opportunities
- Look for large colonies on rocky, coastal slopes
- Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing nesting birds
- Use binoculars to spot their distinctive golden crests
- Listen for their loud, trumpeting calls in colonies
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Macaroni Penguins face threats from leopard seals, fur seals, and killer whales. Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predation by skuas and giant petrels.
Did You Know?
- Macaroni Penguins are named after the flamboyant 'macaroni' fashion of 18th-century England.
- They are the most numerous penguin species, with a global population of about 6.3 million breeding pairs.
- These penguins can consume up to 2 kg of krill per day during the breeding season.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Eudyptes chrysolophus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697793A184720991.
View source - 2
report, 2013: Crossin et al.
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