Adélie Penguin
Image: Ingvild Riska (cc-by)
NameAdélie Penguin
Common NameAdélie Penguin
Scientific NamePygoscelis adeliae
FamilySpheniscidae
Wingspan (cm)37.5
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)4800
Plumage DetailsGlossy black plumage covers the head, back, and upper flippers, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly and underparts. A prominent white ring encircles each eye.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh squawks, braying calls, and trills, particularly during courtship, territorial disputes, and when communicating with chicks.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, rocky shores, pack ice, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds along the entire coastline of the Antarctic continent and on several sub-Antarctic islands. Spends non-breeding season in the surrounding pack ice and open ocean.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive white eye-ring, Solid black head and back, Pure white belly, Waddling gait on land, Agile swimming
Description
Adélie Penguins are medium-sized, highly social penguins characterized by their striking black and white plumage and a distinctive white ring around each eye. They are agile swimmers and divers, spending much of their lives at sea but returning to land to breed in large, noisy colonies.
