Adelie Penguin
Photo: E J Woehler © E J Woehler
Adelie Penguin
Scientific name: Pygoscelis adeliae
Family: Spheniscidae
Order: Sphenisciformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Sea birds
What does it look like?
Description
The Adelie Penguin is a medium-sized penguin of sturdy appearance. The head does not have a crest but the rear of the crown is peaked, which is characteristic of the species. The head and chin are black. The bill is black with a dark red base and tip and appears stubby because it is covered with feathers for half its length. A conspicuous white eye-ring gives the bird a staring appearance. The feet are flesh pink.
Similar species
The Chinstrap Penguin, P. antarctica, has a longer bill, and a white face crossed by a thin black line. The Gentoo Penguin, P. papua, is larger (80 cm long) with a black and yellow or orange bill, and a white patch over the top of the head.
Where does it live?
Distribution
Adelie Penguins are found mainly at sea in southern oceans around the coasts and islands of Antarctica, and only very rarely appear on the Australian coast, in winter.
Habitat
Adelie Penguins live mainly at sea, generally within the limits of pack-ice.What does it do?
Feeding
Adelie Penguins feed mainly on fish, crustaceans, amphipods and cephalopods. They can dive to about 175 m but usually feed up to 70 m below the water's surface.
Breeding
Adelie Penguins breed in summer, mainly on the rocky platforms of islands of southern oceans. The nests are made out of small stones, and males and females share incubation and care of the young almost equally.
Living with us
Living with humans
Heavy commercial fishing impacts negatively on the food supplies of Adelie Penguins.References
Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
Higgins, P.J. and S.J.J.F. Davies (eds) 1996. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 3 (Snipe to Pigeons). Oxford University Press, Victoria.
Slater, P, Slater, P, and Slater, R 1989. The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds. Lansdowne. Revised edition.