Sealife guideThe chinstrap penguinPygoscelis antarcticus
Last updated on 08/26/2024 at 05:46 PM
The chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus)
Taxonomy
- Common name: Chinstrap penguin
- French name: Manchot à jugulaire, manchot barbu
- Scientific name: Pygoscelis antarcticus (Forster, 1781)
- Family name: Spheniscidae
- Order name: Sphenisciformes
- Class name: The sea birds
Description
The chinstrap penguin is easily recognized by a black line that runs across its cheeks. Both male and female chinstrap penguins have the same appearance: black on top of the head and back with a white belly.
The chinstrap penguin is characterized by a black line that runs across its cheeks !
The chinstrap penguin stands about 30 inches tall and weighs around 6.5 to 9 pounds.
Chinstrap penguins spend almost the entire year in the water, except in November when they return to the nesting site to lay eggs.
Geographic range
During the breeding season, chinstrap penguins migrate to the rocky coasts near Australia.
Habitat
Chinstrap penguins nest on rocky shores.
Diet
Reproduction
Chinstrap penguins build their nests out of stones, where they lay their eggs. Around mid-February, young penguins leave their parents and head out to sea.
Did you know ?
If other penguins venture too close to their nest, the chinstrap penguin throws stones, often taken from neighboring nests, to drive them away.
The chinstrap penguin is listed as many other marine species within The
IUCN Red List of threatened species. The chinstrap penguin appears in the
IUCN Red List since 2020 within the category Least Concern !
Within the same genus
Adelie penguin
(Pygoscelis adeliae)
Gentoo penguin
(Pygoscelis papua)
Within the same family
African penguin
(Spheniscus demersus)
Emperor penguin
(Aptenodytes forsteri)
Galapagos penguin
(Spheniscus mendiculus)
King penguin
(Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Royal Penguin
(Eudyptes schlegeli)
Southern rockhopper penguin
(Eudyptes chrysocome)
Yellow-eyed penguin
(Megadyptes antipodes)
Discover also
Atlantic puffin
(Fratercula arctica)
Black-crowned night heron
(Nycticorax nycticorax)
Cape petrel
(Daption capense)
Common murre
(Uria aalge)
Northern giant petrel
(Macronectes halli)
Red-footed booby
(Sula sula)
Waved albatross
(Phoebastria irrorata)
White-capped albatross
(Thalassarche cauta steadi)
The marine species from Antarctic ocean
Adelie penguin
(Pygoscelis adeliae)
Antarctic fur seal
(Arctocephalus gazella)
Emperor penguin
(Aptenodytes forsteri)
Gentoo penguin
(Pygoscelis papua)
Southern right whale
(Eubalaena australis)
Our latestUpdates
Friday, November 28th 2025
Disney Hollywood Studios, from Star Wars to Toy Story
Dive into the magical world of Disney's Hollywood Studios: Star Wars and Toy Story attractions and shows for the whole family.
Wednesday, November 19th 2025
Tenerife island
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary islands, is a volcanic gem in the Atlantic ocean. It boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, from golden or black sand beaches to the subtropical forests of the Anaga mountains and the majestic Teide volcano, Spain's highest peak. With its picturesque villages, rich local culture and countless outdoor activities, Tenerife is a perfect destination for every type of traveler.
Saturday, November 15th 2025
Batz island
Located in the English Channel off the northern coast of Brittany, just a few kilometers from the town of Roscoff, Batz island is a true little haven of peace where you can enjoy its wild landscapes, unspoiled beaches and historical heritage.
Photo of the Day
Rouget barbet doré
(Parupeneus cyclostomus)
