The Chinstrap Penguin(Pygoscelis antarcticus), also known as the Ringed Penguin, Bearded Penguin, or Stonecracker Penguin is classified in the avian order Sphenisciformes and the family Spheniscidae.
| Genus | Pygoscelis |
| Species | P. antarcticus |
| BInomial Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus |
| Length | 68-77 cm(2’2.8”-2’6.3”) |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg(7.1-11.7 lbs.) |
| DIet | carnivore |
| IUCN Status | Least concern |
Physical Characteristics
An Adult Chinstrap Penguin is black or bluish-black on its back and crown. Its torso is white; there is a black line that runs from behind the right eye, across the chin, to behind the left eye. The iris is orange-brown to dark brown and there is a ring of black skin around each eye. The bill is black and the legs are pink.
Range and Habitat
The Chinstrap Penguin can be seen in Argentina, Australia, Chile, French Southern Territories, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, and New Zealand. The Chinstrap Penguin can also be seen near the Falkland Islands, and Heard Island and McDonald Islands. The Chinstrap Penguin breeds in Antarctica, and also breeds on Bouvet Island, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Chinstrap Penguins inhabit marine areas.
Breeding
Chinstrap Penguins breed in large colonies. A Chinstrap Penguin’s nest is a round platform made of stones. The clutch size is 1 to 3 eggs; however a clutch size of 2 eggs is typical. Both the mother and father share the duty of incubating the eggs for a period of 31 to 40 days. Chinstrap Penguins reach sexual maturity at 3 years old.
Diet
Chinstrap Penguins eat krill, especially The Antarctic Krill(Euphausia superba), they also eat fish, shrimp, and squid.
Predators
The Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), and the Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella) eat adult Chinstrap Penguins. The Brown Skua (Stercorarius antarcticus), South Polar Skua (Stercorarius maccormicki), and the Southern Giant Petrel(Macronectes giganteus) prey on the chicks and eggs.
Fun Facts
- Chinstrap Penguins can dive to depths up to 70 meters(229.7 feet).
- Chinstrap Penguins are considered to be the most aggressive species of penguin.
- Chinstrap Penguins can live for up to 20 years.
