The Adelie Penguin(Pygoscelis adeliae) is classified in the avian order Sphenisciformes and family Spheniscidae.
| Genus | Pygoscelis |
| Species | P. adeliae |
| Binomial Name | Pygoscelis adeliae |
| Length | 70-73cm(2’3.6”-2’4.7”) |
| Weight | 3.8-8.2kg(8.38-18.08) |
| Diet | carnivore |
| IUCN Status | Least concern |
Physical Characteristics
An adult Adelie Penguin’s back, crown, and throat are black with a bluish sheen. The torso is white; there is a white ring around the eye and the iris is dark brown. The bill is reddish and black; the legs are pinkish. Juveniles lack the black around the throat.
Range And Habitat
The Adelie Penguin can be seen in; Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, but can also be seen near the Falkland Islands, French Southern Territories and Heard Island and the McDonald Islands. However Adelie Penguins breed in Antarctica, and the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Adelie Penguins usually inhabit areas near sea ice; however during the breeding season they live on snow and ice-free rocky coasts.
Breeding
An Adelie Penguin’s nest is a small depression lined with pebbles. The mother usually lay’s a clutch of 2 eggs. Both the mother and father share the duty of incubating the eggs for a period of 30 to 43 days.
Diet
The Adelie Penguin eats the Antarctic Krill(Euphausia superba), the Ice Krill(Euphausia crystallorophias), fish, cephalopods, and amphipods.
Predators
Adult Adelie Penguins are preyed on by the Leopard Seal(Hydrurga leptonyx), and the Killer Whale(Orcinus orca). The Kelp Gull(Larus dominicanus), and the Snowy Sheathbill(Chionis albus) prey on the eggs and chicks.
Fun Facts
- The Adelie Penguin was named after Adèle Dumont d’Urville who was the wife of French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville.
- The Adelie Penguin can live for up to 20 years.
