Monotypic

Also known as Bearded Penguin, Ringed Penguin and Stone cracker Penguin.
 

Identification

A frequently encountered species in the Antarctic Pack.

Named after the distinctive thin black line that runs across the auriculars and throat. Smaller than Gentoo Penguins.
 

Where and When

One of the most numerous penguins with a breeding population of 7 million or more. Breeding colonies are restricted to the Antarctic Continent (Scotia Arc) and a number of offshore islands (incudes South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Island and South Sandwich Islands). A few pairs have also been reported on Peter I Oy, Heard Island and the Balleny Islands.

Frequently seen roosting on icebergs and growlers in the open sea, from which they hunt small shoaling prey such as krill, small fish and other pelagic crustaceans.
 

Literature