Adélie Penguin
Image: Ingvild Riska (cc-by)
NameAdélie Penguin
Common NameAdélie Penguin
Scientific NamePygoscelis adeliae
FamilySpheniscidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)4500
Plumage DetailsAdults have a glossy black back, head, and throat, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly and chest. A prominent white ring encircles each eye.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh squawks, braying calls, and trumpeting sounds, especially during breeding season to communicate within the colony, attract mates, and defend territory.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, marine, polar
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeCircumpolar distribution around the Antarctic continent, breeding on ice-free coasts and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands.
Identifying Featuresblack head, white eye-ring, black back, white belly, short, stout bill, waddling gait
Description
Adélie Penguins are medium-sized penguins characterized by their tuxedo-like black and white plumage. They are highly social, forming large breeding colonies on ice-free Antarctic coasts and islands, and are known for their distinctive waddling gait on land and agile swimming underwater.
