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Magellanic Penguin

Spheniscus magellanicus

Least Concern
Standing just over two feet tall, these charismatic black-and-white penguins swim thousands of miles each year between their breeding colonies in South America and winter feeding grounds as far north as Brazil.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

Magellanic Penguins are medium-sized penguins with distinctive black and white plumage. They have a black back and head, with a white belly and a horseshoe-shaped band of white feathers extending from their throat to behind their eyes.

Adults have two black bands across their chest, while juveniles have a single, less defined band. Their flippers are black on the outer side and white underneath, adapted for swimming rather than flying.

Size

Length

60cm to 75cm

Wingspan

76cm to 91cm

Weight

2.7kg to 6.5kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Grey Pink

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Magellanic Penguin can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Magellanic Penguin is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Magellanic Penguins inhabit the coasts and offshore islands of southern South America, including Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. They prefer temperate to cool coastal waters and breed on rocky or sandy shores with sparse vegetation.

During non-breeding seasons, these penguins migrate northward, sometimes reaching as far as Brazil and Peru. They spend much of their time at sea, coming ashore mainly for breeding and moulting.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 85 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subantarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Magellanic 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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Argentina Chile
Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Falkland Islands
Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season
Brazil Peru Uruguay
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Australia New Zealand South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

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.

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 underwater agility, capable of 'flying' through water at speeds up to 15 mph and making precise movements to catch fish. Whilst less graceful on land with their characteristic waddle, their aquatic manoeuvrability is remarkable.

Strength 70

Strength

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

Robust build enables diving to depths of 70 metres and powerful swimming abilities. Their muscular flippers and sturdy body structure allow them to navigate strong currents and catch fast-moving prey like anchovies and sardines.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

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

Well-adapted to both marine and terrestrial environments, capable of drinking saltwater, and showing flexibility in breeding site selection. Successfully inhabits diverse coastal areas from temperate to subantarctic regions, though somewhat specialised in their diet and habitat requirements.

Aggressiveness 60

Aggressiveness

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

Displays moderate territorial behaviour, particularly during breeding season, with notable vocal confrontations in colonies. Will defend nests and young, though not typically considered among the more aggressive penguin species.

Endurance 80

Endurance

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

Impressive endurance demonstrated through long-distance migration patterns, ability to dive for 2-3 minutes at a time, and capacity for extended foraging trips during breeding season. Regular northward migrations and sustained swimming abilities showcase remarkable stamina.

Diet

Magellanic Penguins primarily feed on small fish such as anchovies, sardines, and squid. They are skilled hunters, diving to depths of up to 70 meters to catch their prey.

During the breeding season, they often forage closer to their nesting sites, making shorter trips to feed their chicks.

Behaviour

Magellanic Penguins are excellent swimmers, using their flippers to 'fly' underwater at speeds up to 15 mph.

They form large breeding colonies in coastal areas, often returning to the same nesting site each year. These penguins are known for their distinctive braying call.

Vocalisation

Magellanic Penguins are known for their loud, braying calls that sound similar to a donkey's bray. Their vocalisations include a series of short, sharp 'ah-ah-ah' sounds, often used in territorial disputes or to locate mates and chicks in crowded colonies.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Magellanic Penguins typically begins in September. They form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting site year after year. Nests are built in burrows or under bushes, providing protection from predators and harsh weather.

Females usually lay two eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 40 days. The eggs are pale green or blue-green in colour and slightly larger than chicken eggs.

Chicks are cared for by both parents, who take turns guarding the nest and foraging for food. The young penguins fledge after about 70 days, usually in late January or February.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

Magellanic Penguins face threats from oil spills, overfishing, and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites, regulating fishing practices, and mitigating the impacts of oil pollution.

Several organisations work to rehabilitate penguins affected by oil spills and monitor population trends.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

2,200,000 - 3,200,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Visit coastal areas of southern South America during breeding season (September to March)
  • Look for large colonies on rocky or sandy shores
  • Observe their distinctive waddling gait on land
  • Listen for their loud, donkey-like braying calls
  • Watch for their swift, graceful movements when swimming

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Family:

Spheniscidae

Average Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Max Lifespan

30 years [4]

Predators

Main predators include sea lions, leopard seals, and orcas in the water, while on land, they face threats from foxes, large seabirds, and introduced species like cats.

Did You Know?

  1. Magellanic Penguins can drink saltwater thanks to special glands that filter out excess salt.
  2. They can dive to depths of over 70 meters and stay underwater for up to 2-3 minutes.
  3. These penguins undergo a complete moult once a year, replacing all their feathers in about 2-3 weeks.
  4. The oldest recorded captive Magellanic Penguin, Captain Eo, lived until 40 years old at San Francisco Zoo and died in 2022.

References

  1. 1 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2020. Spheniscus magellanicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697822A157428850.

    View source
  2. 4

    journalArticle, 1990: Scolaro, On a longevity record of the Magellanic penguin, J Field Ornithol, 61:377-484

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