Gentoo Penguins
Pygoscelis papua

Introduction

Gentoo penguins are related to adelie and chinstrap penguins, but are larger than both of these and have a destintive white patch behind their eyes. They also have destinctively long tail feathers which are often cocked up when they are swiming on the surface, making them easy to spot.

Description

Size: 75 to 90cm, or 30 to 35 inches tall
Weight: 5.5 to 8kg, 12 to 18 pounds
Lifespan: 20 Years

Range and Population

Gentoo penguins cover a wide territory from the Antarctic Peninsula to sub-antarctic islands such as Crozet, Prince Edward, Kerguelen, South Georgia, Heard, and Macquarie Islands. It is estimated there are about 300,000 breeding pairs.

Breeding

The breeding pattern of gentoo penguins is very similar to their cousin the adelie penguin. Early int he breeding season the birds make nests with small rocks which are fought over. Two eggs are laid which are incubated for about 35 days until they hatch. The chicks are closely cared for by the parent birds for about the first 4 weeks before they form creches. After about 3 months, by about late January, the chicks will have molted into their adult plumage and will be able to go to sea.

Food and Predators

Gentoo penguins feed on small fish, crustaceans such as krill, and squid.

At sea the main predatoris of gentoo penguins are leopard seals and orca. The nests have numerous threats for eggs and young birds such as skuas, shealthbills, gulls, and giant petrels. Wandering elephant seals can also flatten nests if they wander into a colony.

Where to See Gentoo Penguins