Eudyptes chrysolophus
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.
Length
70cm to 76cm
Wingspan
71cm to 81cm
Weight
3kg to 6kg
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Secondary Colour
Yellow Orange
Beak Colour
Orange Red
Leg Colour
Pink
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 200 meters
Subantarctic, Antarctic
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:
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