Macaroni Penguin
VulnerableEudyptes chrysolophus
Visual Identification
Macaroni Penguin
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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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.
Lifespan
years
The Macaroni Penguin typically lives for 10 to 15 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 20 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
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
Family:
SpheniscidaePredators
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.
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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.