The Gentoo Penguin(Pygoscelis papua), is classified in the avian order Sphenisciformes, and the family Spheniscidae.
| Genus | Pygoscelis |
| Species | P. papua |
| Binomial Name | Pygoscelis papua |
| Length | 51-90 cm(1’8.1”-2’11.4”) |
| Weight | 4.5-8.5kg(9.9-17.6 lbs.) |
| Diet | carnivore |
| IUCN Status | Least concern |
Physical Characteristics
Adult Gentoo Penguins’ backs are blackish, they have a white band on their crown that extends from one eye to the other. Their torsos are white, their bills are red or orange, with a black culmen(a culmen is the upper ridge of a bird’s bill). Their legs are orange-yellow to pink.
Range and Habitat
The Gentoo Penguin’s breeding range consists of: Australia; Falkland Islands, French Southern Territories, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, South Africa, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Gentoo Penguins live year round in Argentina, and on the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Gentoo Penguins can also be seen in Chile, New Zealand; Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, and on Bouvet Island. Gentoo Penguins inhabit marine areas.
Breeding
Gentoo Penguins build their nests with stones, moss, and grass. The female lays a clutch of 1 to 2 eggs; both parents share the duty of incubating the eggs for 31 to 39 days.
Diet
Gentoo Penguins eat krill, shrimp, fish, and cephalopods.
Predators
Adult Gentoo Penguins are preyed on by sea lions, the Leopard Seal(Hydrurga leptonyx), and the Killer Whale(Orcinus orca). Skuas, giant petrels, the Kelp Gull(Larus dominicanus), and the Snowy Sheathbill(Chionis albus) prey on Gentoo Penguin chicks and eggs.
Fun Facts
- Gentoo Penguins can dive to depths of up to 136 meters(446.2 feet).
- Gentoo Penguins are also sometimes called Johnny Penguins.
- Gentoo Penguins can live for up to 13 years.
